Advancing Agricultural Economics at the Federal Level: Communicating Economics to Non-Economists Including Policy-makers, Non-governmental Organizations, and Media Organizations

Tuesday August 7th - AAEA Annual Meeting - Concurrent Sessions

2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Marriott Wardman Park

2660 Woodley Road NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 328-2000

Balcony B, Mezzanine Level

This symposium will address timely topics about markets, trade, and agricultural policy. We will have a robust discussion about the dynamic market information environment, who engages with agricultural economic information and analysis, and how agricultural economists’ work drive public and private sector perceptions and decisions. Panelists will discuss market institutions and information, communications with the sector, the importance of being aware of the policy-making process, and approaches for communicating across disciplines.

Today, the agricultural economics profession must not only communicate, but also educate. What is the best way for the profession to reiterate fundamental economic concepts while communicating new findings? Communications in the policy setting often need to be brief and to the point, but how do we advance understanding of economics, so research can be meaningfully understood. What balance should policy briefs, conversations, interviews, and collaborations strike to make sure that quality information lands with an audience?

Moderator: Spiro Stefanou, C-FARE Chairman

The role of economic policy analysis in informing media reporting

Alan Bjerga, Bloomberg

The role of economic policy analysis in providing guidance for emerging policy issues

John Newton, American Farm Bureau Federation

Why speaking with Congress is important for economic science and extension

Katie Naessens, United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry

Collaborating with multidisciplinary groups to reach diverse policy audiences

Caron Gala, Council on Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics