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Adrian Percy
Experienced Agricultural Leader | Speaker & Podcast Host | Advocate for Sustainable Agriculture & Technologies
Professional Background
Adrian Percy is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of comprehensive experience in the agricultural sector. His career is distinguished by a commitment to promoting modern agriculture, focusing on the integration of innovative technologies within the food supply chain. Adrian is currently engaged as the inaugural Executive Director of the Plant Sciences Initiative (PSI) at North Carolina State University. This initiative is dedicated to harnessing interdisciplinary science and technology through partnerships between public and private sectors to advance plant sciences for the benefit of growers, consumers, and stakeholders across the food supply chain.
In addition to his role at North Carolina State University, Adrian holds a pivotal position as a Venture Partner at Finistere Ventures LLC, where he focuses on technology and life sciences investments aimed at transforming the global food value chain. With a passion for food security and agricultural sustainability, Adrian serves on the boards of several innovative companies including BioLumic, HiFidelity Genetics, and Evogene. He also shares his expertise through involvement with Oerth Bio, Terramera, Biotalys, and Rothamsted Research as a member of various science and technology boards. Furthermore, he is the host of the AgTech360 podcast, which is produced in collaboration with NC State’s Center for Excellence in Regulatory Science in Agriculture (CERSA).
Before his current roles, Adrian served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at UPL Ltd, a globally recognized leader in crop protection within the food systems industry. His illustrious career at Bayer, spanning over 25 years, saw him ascend through numerous pivotal roles, including Head of Research and Development for the Crop Science division, where he was a member of the executive committee. His diverse responsibilities included overseeing innovation in crop protection chemistry, biologicals, seeds, and traits.
Education and Achievements
Adrian Percy’s academic journey laid the groundwork for his successful career in agricultural science and technology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology from the University of Liverpool, a master’s degree in Toxicology, and a doctorate in Biochemistry, both from the University of Birmingham. Adrian has also completed advanced studies in executive leadership at the prestigious Harvard Business School and INSEAD, further honing his skills in leadership and R&D strategy.
His extensive experience in agricultural research and development has allowed Adrian to make significant contributions to the industry, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices and innovative solutions in modern agriculture. His expertise in regulatory affairs and ecotoxicology is particularly notable, enabling him to position companies and initiatives at the forefront of compliance and environmental stewardship.
Notable Contributions and Leadership Roles
Throughout his distinguished career, Adrian has taken on numerous influential leadership roles:
- Formerly, he was a Non-Executive Director at several companies, including Nufarm, AgPlenus, and FA Bio, where he contributed to strategic oversight and innovation in agricultural technologies.
- He has served as a professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University, where he provided valuable insights and mentorship to aspiring scientists.
- As the former Chair of the Science Advisory Committee at Biotalys NV, Adrian played a crucial role in guiding scientific priorities and ensuring alignment with industry needs.
- His tenure at Bayer Crop Science equipped him with a profound understanding of the industry's direction and challenges, as he held various key positions ranging from Global Head of Ecotoxicology to VP of Development in North America.
- Today, he continues to impact the growth of ag-tech by advising early-stage companies and serving on numerous boards, ensuring the development of innovative solutions that address critical challenges in agriculture.
- In his capacity as an ambassador for Ag Technology at Bayer Crop Science, he has championed modern agricultural practices and advanced the dialogue around sustainable methods.
Personal Life
Adrian was born and raised in the United Kingdom but now calls the Research Triangle area of North Carolina home, where he resides with his wife and two children. Outside of his professional endeavors, he is passionate about engaging with communities to promote understanding and appreciation for modern agricultural practices. His extensive work and involvement in various scientific and technological capacities have solidified his status as an influential thought leader in the agricultural sector.
As an advocate for the adoption of novel agricultural technologies that align with environmental conservation efforts, Adrian Percy is dedicated to not only enhancing food security but also supporting the growth of rural communities. His extensive network and deep understanding of both the scientific and commercial aspects of agriculture position him as a key player in driving innovation within the industry and ensuring the sustainability of food systems worldwide.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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