CFAs: Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Economics Trade Fellow Programs (US)

The Agricultural Economics Fellow program is designed to nurture a promising leader in the field and provides a post-Ph.D. agricultural economist with a unique yearlong opportunity to be mentored and mentor, provide thought leadership through publications and speaking appearances, expand their network, manage high-visibility projects and elevate their stature and reputation in the food and agricultural sectors. The 2025 fellowship is focused on the bioeconomy and related fields of applied economic research.

There are multiple initiatives, across the private sector and government at all levels, designed to expand market opportunities in the agricultural and bioeconomy sector and to enhance value of existing products derived from the land all while doing so in a more sustainable way. Investments include expanding access to clean energy systems and increase the availability of domestic biofuels that will create new market opportunities and jobs for the U.S. agricultural and food sectors while increasing America’s energy security and achieving climate goals.

The 2025 Agricultural Economics Fellowship will provide an opportunity for an agricultural economist with expertise in the bioeconomy field to connect with researchers in the USDA and other agencies, publish their research, network across the industry, and attend conferences and events.

This Fellow will work with diverse stakeholders on integrated systems approaches to develop a greater understanding of how the bioeconomy affects U.S. and global food and agricultural markets. The Ag Econ Fellow may focus work on connecting regulatory, legal, and institutional frameworks to conduct economic research and communicate findings related to renewable energy and the bioeconomy, including, but not limited to circular economy themes, sustainable aviation fuel, biofuel feedstocks, biogas, and bioenergy from biomass.

Expected Outcomes

• Participate and engage in Farm Foundation programs or events (e.g., attend or participate in relevant conferences)
• Produce several short written pieces, such as blog posts
• Author at least one issue paper on sustainable food systems
• Network and be mentored by staff in USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist, with at least six meetings anticipated
• Mentor and meet with participants in the Farm Foundation and USDA Economic Research Service Ag Scholars program on a recurring basis
• Mentor and meet with other participants in Farm Foundation’s suite of Next Generation programs as time and opportunities allow

Eligibility Criteria 

• Nominations from faculty or other professional references, as well as self-nominations, will be accepted.

Selection Criteria

• By early December 2024, Farm Foundation will narrow the applicant pool to 2-3 final candidates.
• Finalists will be asked to interview with Farm Foundation and other experts, with a final determination on the successful applicant to be made in mid-December 2024.

For more information, visit Farm Foundation.