{"id":82531,"date":"2026-06-01T08:35:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T12:35:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/?p=82531"},"modified":"2026-06-01T08:52:38","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T12:52:38","slug":"evolution-not-revolution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/news\/evolution-not-revolution\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Evolution, Not Revolution\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

In releasing the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative\u2019s 2025-30 strategic plan<\/a> this week, Executive Director Adrian Percy<\/a> characterized the roadmap as \u201cevolution, not revolution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new plan keeps the initiative true to its bold initial vision of improving the world through interdisciplinary plant sciences innovation, while simultaneously ensuring it remains agile enough to tackle the rapidly emerging challenges of modern agriculture, Percy said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince the doors of NC State University\u2019s Plant Sciences Building opened in 2022, the initiative has become a bustling hub of interdisciplinary innovation, workforce development and extension outreach, making a measurable impact on agriculture both in North Carolina and beyond,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow is the time to look forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plan, he explained, was developed through a series of N.C. PSI leadership team meetings, with input from the staff and leaders of NC State\u2019s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences<\/a>, Office of Research and Innovation<\/a> and the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe also considered the continuous feedback we get from our faculty affiliates, our Extension Agent Network and our external partners,\u201d Percy says. \u201cThis plan represents a focusing of effort so that we can successfully adapt to shifts in the agricultural landscape, funding realities and the possibilities that artificial intelligence, genome editing and other advancements in science and technology hold for the future of food, farming and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As he prepared to share the plan on the N.C. PSI website and by email to the N.C. PSI staff, affiliated faculty members and other stakeholders at NC State and in the broader agricultural and research communities, Percy answered a few questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How will you define success under this new five-year plan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To be successful, we must stay in tune and responsive to the challenges faced by our rich group of ecosystem stakeholders. This includes everyone from individual farmers and agricultural organizations to commodity group leaders and the array of local and global agricultural technology companies with operations here in North Carolina,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Success means we continue pursuing new solutions and technologies that benefit growers not just in 10 or 20 years, when some of our deeper research will be producing its fruit, but much sooner \u2014 this year and next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe want to be the champion and a model for facilitating interdisciplinary projects that accelerate research and enhance outreach for maximum positive impact.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

We already have examples of this: Growers are currently using a range of tools developed in partnership with the N.C. PSI, such as the BeanPack<\/a> decision tool for soybean planting and others developed through the Sweet-APPS<\/a> project. We hope to develop more and more of these practical applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another pillar of success will be workforce development. We sit on the edge of the Research Triangle Park, which is one of the most important global hubs for ag tech development. Many of our students will end up working in those firms, and their success in developing technologies that benefit growers is a direct reflection of our success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, as we are housed in a building that is now the only one specifically constructed for interdisciplinary research, we want to be the champion and a model for facilitating interdisciplinary projects that accelerate research and enhance outreach for maximum positive impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why was it necessary to launch a new plan now?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our original plan was intended to take us from 2022 to 2025, reflecting the vision shared by CALS, the university and our external stakeholders as our initiative was formed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we created that first plan, we knew we would learn a lot within three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We took what we\u2019d learned, remained loyal to the original vision and developed a refined plan that hits areas particularly important for the future of agriculture.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

We viewed the N.C. PSI as a startup, and every startup must be able to pivot based on learnings, opportunities and challenges. We took what we\u2019d learned, remained loyal to the original vision and developed a refined plan that hits areas particularly important for the future of agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What were the most significant lessons learned?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When we started, we were very much about experimentation \u2014 trying different types of programs, events and approaches. Our first strategic plan reflected that; it was over 30 pages long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We realized early on that we were trying to do too many things. And that\u2019s the main reason the new strategy is simpler and more focused. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this plan in place, we will double down on the activities that have yielded the most significant results. Our Connecting2Grow workshops are a good example. They bring faculty members from across campus together to brainstorm problem-solving approaches to real-world challenges.I\u2019ll mention just one project to give you an idea of the good that can come when researchers who\u2019ve never met sit across from each other and hear what farmers are facing. With a little seed funding from a 2024 workshop, the project explored technology that would allow apple growers to essentially see inside tree buds and fruits. The researchers won a larger grant recently from the state agriculture department, and with more work, they think the technology could end up helping farmers increase profits by thousands of dollars per acre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another area where we\u2019ve learned from our success is in workforce development. This is interesting, because we weren’t intended to be a teaching facility or offer degree programs. But our stakeholders saw a significant need for next-generation leaders who can navigate rapidly changing agricultural and scientific landscapes. Backed by amazing philanthropic support, our small team is making a big difference for students from K-12 through undergraduate and graduate levels, all the way up to postdocs. We provide them with hands-on experiences and the chance to learn how to work across disciplines to address complex challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you see this plan signalling a new direction? Or is it more of a refocusing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a little bit of both: The vision, mission, and values have not changed. We still want to help farmers through collaborative, stakeholder-driven research. What has changed is that we’re going to really focus on specific areas where we think we can make a significant mark both nationally and globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial Intelligence is an example. When we launched, it was just becoming a big thing. Recently, the national AI in Agriculture Conference was hosted at NC State, providing the chance for the university to highlight ongoing contributions and establish its leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What has changed is that we’re going to really focus on specific areas where we think we can make a significant mark both nationally and globally.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

NC State and CALS have a lot of ambition regarding harnessing AI tools for the agricultural sector, including upgrading the state research station network. This will benefit the research going on in and around the N.C. PSI, and we intend to lead in this area<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another area of emerging excellence is genome editing, This is an incredibly important technology for creating crops that are more resilient and higher yielding. In 2024, Jude Samulski provided a generous gift to create a Genome Editing Center for Sustainable Agriculture<\/a> in our building. The director, Tim Kelliher, has hit the ground running, working with plant breeders and private companies to solve problems affecting key North Carolina crops.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How will the new plan affect the day-to-day work of the faculty and staff?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We intend to continue trying new ways to support faculty and student researchers in getting projects off the ground. We’re also reinforcing our efforts regarding entrepreneurship. There is quite a hunger at NC State for researchers to take their work from their labs out into the commercial sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Seed2Grow entrepreneurship program is already in place, and we\u2019re continually developing it to support their efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the main obstacles you see standing in the way of these nine goals?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Resources are always a factor. While we’re ambitious about increasing our resources, we have to be aware that we can’t be all things to all people; we have to work within our limits. There\u2019s also the risk of becoming redundant if we stop being responsive to our external environment or the funding landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, we have to respect the faculty\u2019s academic freedom while pushing forward our mission. For faculty members who want to conduct research that translates into agricultural impact, we can be a big help, guiding into areas of clear need, helping them make connections and supporting project launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will new resources be needed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Working smarter, not harder, is the first thing. We need to stay focused on delivering impactful results, supporting the faculty and pursuing fundraising and grantsmanship. A new grant is an example of the value of these efforts. Thanks to new funding from Schmidt Sciences, the REFRAME project, led by Platform Director Dani Jones, will help build up our digital infrastructure to make us much more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What comes next to move this from a document to reality?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We are sharing the plan as widely as possible, starting with our staff, affiliated faculty and an enormous stakeholder group. Our world is changing continuously, and so is what\u2019s happening on farms and with science and engineering. We need to be attentive and adapt so that we remain relevant and responsive to stakeholders\u2019 needs. We can only do that by staying connected to them in meaningful ways. If anyone has thoughts on where we should focus, we are always listening.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"\n\n\n\n\n

In releasing the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative\u2019s 2025-30 strategic plan<\/a> this week, Executive Director Adrian Percy<\/a> characterized the roadmap as \u201cevolution, not revolution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new plan keeps the initiative true to its bold initial vision of improving the world through interdisciplinary plant sciences innovation, while simultaneously ensuring it remains agile enough to tackle the rapidly emerging challenges of modern agriculture, Percy said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince the doors of NC State University\u2019s Plant Sciences Building opened in 2022, the initiative has become a bustling hub of interdisciplinary innovation, workforce development and extension outreach, making a measurable impact on agriculture both in North Carolina and beyond,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow is the time to look forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plan, he explained, was developed through a series of N.C. PSI leadership team meetings, with input from the staff and leaders of NC State\u2019s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences<\/a>, Office of Research and Innovation<\/a> and the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe also considered the continuous feedback we get from our faculty affiliates, our Extension Agent Network and our external partners,\u201d Percy says. \u201cThis plan represents a focusing of effort so that we can successfully adapt to shifts in the agricultural landscape, funding realities and the possibilities that artificial intelligence, genome editing and other advancements in science and technology hold for the future of food, farming and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As he prepared to share the plan on the N.C. PSI website and by email to the N.C. PSI staff, affiliated faculty members and other stakeholders at NC State and in the broader agricultural and research communities, Percy answered a few questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How will you define success under this new five-year plan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To be successful, we must stay in tune and responsive to the challenges faced by our rich group of ecosystem stakeholders. This includes everyone from individual farmers and agricultural organizations to commodity group leaders and the array of local and global agricultural technology companies with operations here in North Carolina,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Success means we continue pursuing new solutions and technologies that benefit growers not just in 10 or 20 years, when some of our deeper research will be producing its fruit, but much sooner \u2014 this year and next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe want to be the champion and a model for facilitating interdisciplinary projects that accelerate research and enhance outreach for maximum positive impact.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

We already have examples of this: Growers are currently using a range of tools developed in partnership with the N.C. PSI, such as the BeanPack<\/a> decision tool for soybean planting and others developed through the Sweet-APPS<\/a> project. We hope to develop more and more of these practical applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another pillar of success will be workforce development. We sit on the edge of the Research Triangle Park, which is one of the most important global hubs for ag tech development. Many of our students will end up working in those firms, and their success in developing technologies that benefit growers is a direct reflection of our success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, as we are housed in a building that is now the only one specifically constructed for interdisciplinary research, we want to be the champion and a model for facilitating interdisciplinary projects that accelerate research and enhance outreach for maximum positive impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why was it necessary to launch a new plan now?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our original plan was intended to take us from 2022 to 2025, reflecting the vision shared by CALS, the university and our external stakeholders as our initiative was formed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we created that first plan, we knew we would learn a lot within three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We took what we\u2019d learned, remained loyal to the original vision and developed a refined plan that hits areas particularly important for the future of agriculture.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

We viewed the N.C. PSI as a startup, and every startup must be able to pivot based on learnings, opportunities and challenges. We took what we\u2019d learned, remained loyal to the original vision and developed a refined plan that hits areas particularly important for the future of agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What were the most significant lessons learned?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When we started, we were very much about experimentation \u2014 trying different types of programs, events and approaches. Our first strategic plan reflected that; it was over 30 pages long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We realized early on that we were trying to do too many things. And that\u2019s the main reason the new strategy is simpler and more focused. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this plan in place, we will double down on the activities that have yielded the most significant results. Our Connecting2Grow workshops are a good example. They bring faculty members from across campus together to brainstorm problem-solving approaches to real-world challenges.I\u2019ll mention just one project to give you an idea of the good that can come when researchers who\u2019ve never met sit across from each other and hear what farmers are facing. With a little seed funding from a 2024 workshop, the project explored technology that would allow apple growers to essentially see inside tree buds and fruits. The researchers won a larger grant recently from the state agriculture department, and with more work, they think the technology could end up helping farmers increase profits by thousands of dollars per acre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another area where we\u2019ve learned from our success is in workforce development. This is interesting, because we weren't intended to be a teaching facility or offer degree programs. But our stakeholders saw a significant need for next-generation leaders who can navigate rapidly changing agricultural and scientific landscapes. Backed by amazing philanthropic support, our small team is making a big difference for students from K-12 through undergraduate and graduate levels, all the way up to postdocs. We provide them with hands-on experiences and the chance to learn how to work across disciplines to address complex challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you see this plan signalling a new direction? Or is it more of a refocusing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a little bit of both: The vision, mission, and values have not changed. We still want to help farmers through collaborative, stakeholder-driven research. What has changed is that we're going to really focus on specific areas where we think we can make a significant mark both nationally and globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial Intelligence is an example. When we launched, it was just becoming a big thing. Recently, the national AI in Agriculture Conference was hosted at NC State, providing the chance for the university to highlight ongoing contributions and establish its leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What has changed is that we're going to really focus on specific areas where we think we can make a significant mark both nationally and globally.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

NC State and CALS have a lot of ambition regarding harnessing AI tools for the agricultural sector, including upgrading the state research station network. This will benefit the research going on in and around the N.C. PSI, and we intend to lead in this area<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another area of emerging excellence is genome editing, This is an incredibly important technology for creating crops that are more resilient and higher yielding. In 2024, Jude Samulski provided a generous gift to create a Genome Editing Center for Sustainable Agriculture<\/a> in our building. The director, Tim Kelliher, has hit the ground running, working with plant breeders and private companies to solve problems affecting key North Carolina crops.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How will the new plan affect the day-to-day work of the faculty and staff?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We intend to continue trying new ways to support faculty and student researchers in getting projects off the ground. We're also reinforcing our efforts regarding entrepreneurship. There is quite a hunger at NC State for researchers to take their work from their labs out into the commercial sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Seed2Grow entrepreneurship program is already in place, and we\u2019re continually developing it to support their efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the main obstacles you see standing in the way of these nine goals?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Resources are always a factor. While we're ambitious about increasing our resources, we have to be aware that we can't be all things to all people; we have to work within our limits. There\u2019s also the risk of becoming redundant if we stop being responsive to our external environment or the funding landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, we have to respect the faculty\u2019s academic freedom while pushing forward our mission. For faculty members who want to conduct research that translates into agricultural impact, we can be a big help, guiding into areas of clear need, helping them make connections and supporting project launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will new resources be needed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Working smarter, not harder, is the first thing. We need to stay focused on delivering impactful results, supporting the faculty and pursuing fundraising and grantsmanship. A new grant is an example of the value of these efforts. Thanks to new funding from Schmidt Sciences, the REFRAME project, led by Platform Director Dani Jones, will help build up our digital infrastructure to make us much more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What comes next to move this from a document to reality?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We are sharing the plan as widely as possible, starting with our staff, affiliated faculty and an enormous stakeholder group. Our world is changing continuously, and so is what\u2019s happening on farms and with science and engineering. We need to be attentive and adapt so that we remain relevant and responsive to stakeholders\u2019 needs. We can only do that by staying connected to them in meaningful ways. If anyone has thoughts on where we should focus, we are always listening.<\/p>\n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Executive Director Adrian Percy describes what\u2019s next for the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative under a new strategic plan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":77758,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"caption\":\"Adrian Percy outside the Plant Sciences Building on NC State\u2019s Centennial Campus.\",\"displayCategoryID\":118,\"showAuthor\":true,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"subtitle\":\"Executive Director Adrian Percy describes what\u2019s next for the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative under a new strategic plan.\"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[118,116,107,110,177,106,109,114],"tags":[],"_ncst_magazine_issue":[],"class_list":["post-82531","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","category-extension","category-leadership","category-nc-psi","category-newswire","category-partnerships","category-plant-sciences-building","category-research"],"displayCategory":{"term_id":118,"name":"Education","slug":"education","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":118,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":78,"filter":"raw"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82531","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=82531"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82531\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":82550,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82531\/revisions\/82550"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=82531"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=82531"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=82531"},{"taxonomy":"_ncst_magazine_issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/psi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/_ncst_magazine_issue?post=82531"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}