New USDA Chief Economist Appointed: Justin Benavidez Takes Helm

By Leah Douglas

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (Reuters) – In a significant move for the U.S. agriculture sector, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of Justin Benavidez as its new Chief Economist. Benavidez, who previously served on the House Agriculture Committee, is set to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this essential role.

The Chief Economist at the USDA is responsible for leading the agency’s economic research and analysis and provides strategic advice to the Secretary of Agriculture concerning the state of the farm economy.

Benavidez succeeds Seth Meyer, who held the position since 2021. Meyer will transition to lead the University of Missouri’s Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute.

Prior to his new role, Benavidez was the Chief Economist for the Republican majority staff on the House Agriculture Committee. He also brings academic expertise, having served as an Assistant Professor and Agricultural Economist at Texas A&M University.

“Justin brings strong policy experience, deep roots in production agriculture, and a clear understanding of the economic realities facing farmers and ranchers,” stated Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in a press release regarding the appointment.

This leadership change comes on the heels of significant turnover at the USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist, where about 22% of the staff departed last year. This exodus is part of a broader trend at the USDA, which has experienced a substantial reduction in its workforce under the Trump administration, losing around 20,000 employees as of June.

(Reporting by Leah Douglas in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)