Former USDA Economist Returning as Chief Economist Resigns

WASHINGTON, DC – While members of the Electoral College were securing the presidency for Joe Biden Monday, the President-Elect’s transition team was busy at work filling key positions within the administration that takes office on January 20. Last week, former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was tapped to return to USDA after having served almost 8 years under the Obama administration. If confirmed, Vilsack will become the only person to return as Agriculture Secretary after having left the office. Also on Monday, the current Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the resignation of Chief Economist Dr. Rob Johansson. Johansson became Chief Economist in 2015 but will be leaving at the end of January to work for the American Sugar Alliance. Perdue also announced the return of Dr. Seth Meyer to USDA to replace Johansson. Meyer, the former Chairman of the World Ag Outlook Board, left the department 18 months ago to join the Food and Agriculture Policy Institute at the University of Missouri.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)