Ramrati Lohain is the owner of Natural & Local, a 1.5-acre farm in Wake County, North Carolina, where she grows Asian herbs, vegetables, plants, and seeds while also offering gardening solutions to the community. Established in 2020, the farm was created with the mission of serving the local community, supporting healthy living, and sustaining a livelihood rooted in growing food naturally and responsibly. Ramrati farms alongside her husband and dedicated volunteers, building a small but impactful operation that emphasizes both cultural foodways and sustainable practices.
Natural & Local products are sold through CSA shares and farm stalls, where Ramrati especially values connecting with customers and learning directly about their tastes and preferences. With support from the 2025 RAFI Farmer Infrastructure Grant, Natural & Local will purchase a produce cooler, a critical investment to prevent heat-related losses and preserve the freshness of her harvest.
Beyond production, Ramrati’s vision for Natural & Local is to inspire others to grow their own food naturally and locally. By offering not just produce but also knowledge and support, she is helping to cultivate a healthier, more self-sustaining community.