The speed with which agricultural products are traded around the globe can have an impact on regional economies, small businesses, and farmers. It also has an impact on the distribution of food to various parts of the globe. Agriculture economist jobs can be found in a variety of federal agencies. In the agriculture industry, fair pricing models are required so that no single corporation attempts to implement price fixing for a specific crop or item. Agricultural economist jobs are available at research institutions and schools, where objective insight into the accurate pricing of these products can be provided.
Federal agencies are one of the most common employers of agricultural economists. A chief agricultural economist could be the most senior of these positions. This professional may be expected to assess domestic trade conditions based on existing regional laws. A chief agricultural economist will almost certainly be involved in forecasting a country’s export activity based on demand from other countries. Economists may be hired by global organizations involved in food distribution in impoverished areas to assess the progress and economic potential of such initiatives in relation to demand.
Making market predictions for global trade activity could be part of a career as a top economist in a federal agency. Analyzing data, writing industry reports, and attending industry seminars may all be part of the job description for agricultural economists. To determine future pricing estimates for different agricultural items in a region, such as wheat, corn, and cotton, to name a few, a chief economist may be consulted. Federal agricultural economists may be appointed to groups and committees that shape a country’s farming laws. Economists are likely to be used to assess a country’s agricultural needs in relation to the federal budget.
Agricultural economist positions can also be found at colleges and universities that have resources dedicated to agricultural research. These professionals may not only conduct research, but also serve as professors to students interested in agricultural economics. Professors of agricultural economics could teach business students preparing for careers in agricultural commodity and financial contract trading. While many agricultural economist positions are full-time, an industry expert may be asked to participate as a consultant in development projects sponsored by local or international government agencies.