Rickie and Kitty Boone are the owners of Ribickie Farms, an eight-acre family farm operating in Southampton County, Virginia, and Gates County, North Carolina. Established in 2022, the farm produces gourmet mushrooms, poultry, honey from their bees, and hydroponic vegetables. Farming alongside Kitty’s father and their daughter, the Boones are committed to sustainable practices that honor their African American and Native American heritage.
With a focus on quality and innovation, Ribickie Farms will use this stipend to expand its gourmet mushroom production using vertical farming techniques and controlled environment agriculture to maximize yields in limited space. These upgrades will double production capacity, open new markets, and create local job opportunities. Ribickie Farms sells at farmers markets, farming events, and to vegan, plant-based, and health-conscious customers. The Boones’ favorite part of farming is the peace and renewal that comes from working in nature and connecting deeply with the Creator. Guided by their motto, “Growing Quality, Harvesting Trust,” they strive to provide exceptional food while protecting the land for future generations.
