The Farms of ADL, Inc. is the fiscal sponsor of the Vienna Farmers Market. Their mission: Supporting Local Farms, Farmers Markets, and Local Food Pantries. The Farms of ADL plays a vital role in supporting local agriculture by actively purchasing produce from area farms. They regularly attend Amish community produce auctions, helping farmers who may not have transportation bring their products to market. At the Vienna Farmers Market, they operate a dedicated farm tent featuring fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables along with other farm products. By offering these items at retail prices, The Farms of ADL is able to cover expenses while also generating funds to reinvest back into growing and strengthening the local farming community.
The Farms of ADL is the driving force behind the Vienna Farmers Market and a leader in strengthening local food access across the region. In addition to managing the market, they operate Welcome Tents at three other local farmers markets—serving as a hub for information, community connection, and support. At these tents, they facilitate the SNAP/EBT program and the Fresh Connect program, which doubles SNAP benefits for customers, helping families stretch their food dollars while supporting local farmers. They also partner with the Office for the Aging to distribute the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), providing seniors with $5 coupons—issued in booklets of five—to purchase fresh, locally grown foods.
“I wanted to create an organization that, no matter what happens, would always be in demand. I found that by building up local farmers markets.” ~Brian
Brian Kirsch – Founder, Builder, and Community Advocate
Brian Kirsch’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and a deep commitment to community. After moving back to Kirkville, New York in 2000, Brian reconnected with the agricultural roots of Central New York. It was during a year spent helping his brother-in-law on the farm that everything began to take shape. Through that experience—and with the introduction to Amish produce auctions by Ray—Brian discovered a sustainable way to source high-quality local products, helping farmers and vendors strengthen their presence at area farmers markets.
While working within the market system, Brian quickly recognized something powerful: when markets support accessibility, everyone benefits. Seeing how SNAP programs brought more people to market—and directly increased sales for local farms—he embraced the model wholeheartedly. With support from M&T Bank, Brian helped establish the Welcome Tent Program, creating a central hub at each market where SNAP/EBT, Fresh Connect, and community engagement come together. Through The Farms of ADL, this program expanded across multiple markets, strengthening both food access and local agriculture. His dedication and leadership eventually led him to take on the role of manager at the Vienna Farmers Market.
Before returning to New York, Brian built an entirely different life in South Florida. As a mason contractor, he grew a business from the ground up into a multi-million-dollar operation and served as President of the South Florida Chapter of the Florida Masonry Association. But life took a devastating turn, and Brian experienced profound personal loss, including the loss of his daughter and son. In the face of that hardship, he chose to rebuild—not just for himself, but for others.
Out of that rebuilding came purpose. Brian founded a nonprofit in South Florida centered around a community garden—an early expression of what would later evolve into his current work. Though that effort faced its own struggles, it planted the seeds for what he has become today: a leader dedicated to connecting people, supporting farmers, and building resilient local food systems.
Today, Brian continues to grow that vision through the Vienna Farmers Market and The Farms of ADL—creating spaces where farmers thrive, communities gather, and everyone has access to fresh, local food.