# 989: Why Local Farm's Matter with Beth Cole

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-urban-farm-podcast-with-greg-peterson-1101746/989-why-local-farm-s-matter-with-beth-cole
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-urban-farm-podcast-with-greg-peterson-1101746/989-why-local-farm-s-matter-with-beth-cole.md
Podcast: [The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-urban-farm-podcast-with-greg-peterson-1101746)
Published: 2026-06-12T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: http://www.urbanfarm.org/category/podcast
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/e8a2d2aa-876e-4ebe-a47f-f2fc21e71f9b.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2179

## Resource

In this Episode Beth Cole of Riverview Farms shares how local farms strengthen communities, preserve farmland, improve food security, and support healthier ecosystems. Drawing from her experience as a market gardener in Western North Carolina, Beth explains the value of Certified Naturally Grown certification, community-supported agriculture (CSA), farmers markets, and home gardening. She also reflects on lessons learned from Hurricane Helene, the challenges of starting a farm, and why growing food is one of the most important skills families can develop. Our Guest: Beth Cole is a market gardener in Asheville, North Carolina. At their farm they grow a variety of certified naturally grown veggies and cut flowers, are passionate about preserving farmland in the region and growing real food that nourishes the community. Key Topics Beth Cole Riverview Farms Market gardening Asparagus production Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) Local food systems Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farmers markets Hurricane Helene recovery Soil health and floodplain farming Garden plant starts Dirt Craft Living Soils Food security and preparedness Growing food in Western North Carolina Key Questions Answered What is market gardening? Market gardening is small-scale intensive food production focused on growing a diverse mix of vegetables and flowers for local markets, restaurants, and consumers. Riverview Farms grows on roughly two acres while maintaining additional acreage for wildlife habitat, hay production, and floodplain preservation. How does asparagus grow? Asparagus is a long-term perennial crop typically started from crowns. Growers wait several years before harvesting heavily, with full production often beginning around year five. Well-maintained asparagus beds can remain producti…

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