Three landowners in Riceville valley have recently formed the Jones Cove Garden Cooperative. They are growing local nutritious pesticide and herbicide free vegetable, berries, and fruits. They market their goods through the Riceville Tailgate Market and a community supported agricultural project. Assisting others to develop their open spaces into profitable, productive local food production is an aim of their work. By rediscovering the agricultural roots of the Upper Riceville area, landowners can contribute to the well-being of both those who purchase and consume their goods and to the earth through their soil enhancing methods of food production.

There is a program of the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Service (Call Kenneth Reeves, 255-5522) which seeks to match landowners willing to lease or sell some of their land to enterprising young farmers to grow food and contribute to a sustainable economy.