Reuben Blackie – Director of International Crop Consultancy

Meet our new Director of International Crop Consultancy

We’re thrilled to welcome Reuben Blackie to the Peterson and Delphy team. With a career spanning Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Reuben brings a wealth of experience in sustainable agriculture, having worked closely with farmers and suppliers across the globe.

We sat down with Reuben to learn a little more about him and his career to date.

Q: What inspired you to join the Peterson Solutions and Delphy team?
Having spent my career focused on farmers and agriculture, I was looking for a role that would allow me stay connected to growers and build on the skills I’ve gained over the years, while continuing to develop professionally in an environment dedicated to agricultural impact. What drew me to this position was the opportunity to work with a farmer‑focused organisation like Delphy while also benefiting from Peterson’s global reach.

Q: What will be your initial focus in your new role as Director of International Crop Consultancy?
I’ll be concentrating on expanding our international work, particularly with key corporate clients. In the first phase, much of my focus will be on technical consulting for coffee, potato, and tobacco — areas where we see significant potential for value creation for our clients and for farmers.

Q: Tell us a bit about your professional journey so far.
I studied agriculture in the UK before moving to Asia in 2011. My early work took me to Bangladesh as part of a UK‑government agriculture and poverty‑reduction programme, and later to Indonesia, where I became involved in palm oil. Since then, I’ve worked across both the non‑profit and private sectors, always within agriculture. For the past seven years, I’ve managed PepsiCo’s sustainable agriculture programme across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, working closely with growers and suppliers in South Africa, Egypt, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and Pakistan.

Q: What motivates you most in your work with farmers and growers?
Field work has always been where I feel most energised. Listening to farmers, learning from their experiences, and understanding their day‑to‑day realities is incredibly motivating. The biggest reward is when you can contribute something meaningful — something that improves outcomes for farmers while supporting the health of the planet.

Q: What are you most looking forward to as you transition into this new role?
I’m excited to dive deeper into the agronomy of coffee, an area I previously studied and am eager to reconnect with. Beyond that, helping position Delphy as a preferred partner for international corporate clients is a major priority — and something I’m really looking forward to.

Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
When I lived in Indonesia, I really enjoyed freediving — diving without air tanks. At one point, I could hold my breath underwater for more than five minutes.

Q: Which place has inspired you most throughout your career abroad?
It’s hard to choose, as every place offers a different kind of inspiration. But Bangladesh stands out as a highlight. I didn’t know much about it before moving there, but I found the country extraordinary. The resilience and spirit of rural communities facing both natural and man‑made challenges left a deep impression on me. I still keep in touch with friends I made there over 13 years ago.

Q: What’s your favourite way to unwind at the end of a busy week?
I find cooking very relaxing. A Friday evening spent preparing a meal and enjoying it with my family is the perfect way to recharge.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self starting out in agriculture?
Be bold — and never underestimate the long‑term value of technical knowledge.

Q: What hobby brings you the most energy?
Hiking and camping are my go‑to ways to restore balance. I enjoy longer multi‑day hikes, but even daily walks with my dog and my son help clear my mind and bring fresh energy.

If you have any questions or would like to make contact with Reuben you can do so here