RutherfordBARN
Building Agriculture Relationships Now
Our Governing Body
Rutherford BARN is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that supports a locally-based food system that: a) improves public health and well-being by increasing dietary intake of fresh produce; b) improves access to fresh produce by limited resource families c) enhances the capacity for sustainable food production, processing, and distribution by addressing the educational needs of the producer and consumer; (d) supports agri-tourism and economic development; (e) provides an atmosphere conducive for exchange of information and ideas between producers and consumers, and; (f) strengthens the social fabric of the local community by increasing awareness and support of local agriculture and the arts.
We believe in the inclusion of those we serve. “Nothing about us, without us, is for us.” We believe in the power of the local food system to nourish those in need locally, and strive to connect local farms to local plates to accomplish the mission of reducing local food insecurity. We believe in the capacity of our local community to sustain local farms, and believe that local farmers deserve to work for a living wage.
In keeping with these ideals, we will strive to always include our local communities in our discussions. We intend to operate with the farmers’ best interests at heart, and wish to adequately represent both the farmer and the consumer. We will act as a liaison between local organizations, helping move the mission forward in a holistic manner. Our organization is not best suited to work in every aspect necessary to reduce food insecurity, and we need to support our local partners in their work. We wish to help streamline the local response to food insecurity, so that our efforts multiply, but not duplicate.
Rutherford BARN, Inc. Officers and Board
Stephanie Rzonca – President/Organization (2025)
Marie Rapisarda – Treasurer/Vendor (2024)
Beverly Aiken – Secretary/Vendor (2024)
Bill Coxe – Community (2023)
Linda Bond – Vendor (2024)
Stephanie Higgins – Vendor (2023)
Amy Bridges – Organization (2023)
Magnolia Long – Organization (2025)
Teri St John – Vendor (2025)
Paul Brock – Community (2025)
News and Updates
Jones Family Farm
Jones Family Farm is a third-generation produce farm located in the Gilkey Community of Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Jones Family Farm believes in sustainable agricultural practices.
Kiss of the Sun Gardens
Kiss of the Sun Gardens is a grower and artisan that operates out of two locations in the tri-city area. The business has a 20’x30’
Deer Valley Farm
Deer Valley Farm is a 20-acre trout and vegetable farm located in Greenhill, NC. The farm raises rainbow trout in their beautiful mountain stream-fed pond.
Quail Thicket
Quail Thicket is a microgreen producer that sits on 1.5 acres of undulating, old cotton field land in Forest City. The farm is a gardener’s
Asana Herb Farm
Asana Herb Farm, located in Rutherford County, NC, focuses on growing high-quality ingredients for those who love to be in the kitchen. As former attendees
Wild Heart Herb Farm
Wild Heart Herb Farm is a 1.6-acre farm located in Forest City. It is a Certified National Wildlife Backyard Habitat that grows herbs and edible
Monthly Minutes
June 2019 Monthly Meeting
Rutherford BARN (Building Agricultural Relationships Now) Board Meeting – June 13, 2019, 10:00 am, Cooperative Extension AGENDA Members present: Brandon Higgins, Wendy Shumaker, Bob Young,
May 2019 Monthly Meeting
Rutherford BARN (Building Agricultural Relationships Now)Board Meeting – May 21, 2019, 10:30 am, Cooperative Extension AGENDA Members present: Brandon Higgins, Tiffany Rigell, Wendy Shumaker, Steve
April 2019 Monthly Meeting
Rutherford BARN (Building Agricultural Relationships Now) Board Meeting – April 10, 2019, 10:30 am, Cooperative Extension Meeting Minutes – Prepared by Stephanie Rzonca via audio
February 2019 Monthly Meeting
Rutherford BARN (Building Agricultural Relationships Now) Board Meeting – February 13, 2019, 10:30 am, Cooperative Extension Meeting Minutes – Prepared by Stephanie Rzonca Members Present:
January 2019 Monthly Meeting
Rutherford BARN (Building Agricultural Relationships Now)Board Meeting – January 22, 2019, 10:30 am, Cooperative ExtensionMeeting Minutes – Prepared by Stephanie Rzonca Members Present: Wendy Shumaker,
