Kerry Hughes is an Ethnobotanist, Herbalist, and author with 20 years of experience at the intersection of sustainable natural product development, innovative formulation and global biodiversity conservation. Through her work in both public and private sectors, she has brought numerous botanical ingredients and award-winning products to market, including contributions to brands like De Soi Non-Alcoholic Apéritifs and Noot Drinks. 

Kerry played a pivotal role in developing two of the industry’s most transformative sustainability certification solutions: Fair for Life Fair Trade and Certified Regenerative by AGW.

Today, Kerry channels her expertise toward what she considers the heart of the industry: Biodiversity. As founder of the EBI Network, Kerry is driving investment in biodiversity-centered sourcing and regenerative supply chains that amplify traditional knowledge and storytelling while supporting producer communities. She holds a BS in Biochemistry and an MS in Agriculture (Ethnobotany & Soil Science emphasis) from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, is a Registered Herbalist (AHG), and has authored four books and numerous peer-reviewed articles on botanical science and natural products.