What Are the Different Types of Agricultural Economist Jobs?

The pace at which agricultural products are traded around the world can affect the health of regional economies, local businesses, and farmers. It also influences the distribution of food items to different parts of the world. Economist careers in agriculture are somewhat pervasive throughout federal agencies. Fair pricing models are needed in the agriculture industry so no single corporation attempts to implement price fixing for a particular crop or item. Agricultural economist jobs could be obtained at research institutions or schools where objective insight may be offered on the accurate pricing of these products.

Federal agencies are among the leading providers of agricultural economist jobs. The most senior of these roles could be a chief agricultural economist. This professional may be expected to assess domestic conditions for trade based on the regional laws that are in place. A chief agricultural economist is likely to be involved with creating forecasts for a nation's export activity based on demand stemming from other countries. Global organizations that are involved with food distribution in poverty-stricken areas might employ economists to assess the progress and economic potential of such initiatives in relation to demand.

A career as a top economist in a federal agency might also include making market predictions for global trade activity. The description for these agricultural economist jobs may include analyzing data, creating industry reports, and participating in industry seminars. A chief economist might be looked upon to determine future pricing estimates for different agricultural items in a region, such as wheat, corn, and cotton, to name a few. Agricultural economists in federal offices may be appointed to groups and committees that shape farming laws within a country. Economists are likely to be used to evaluate the needs of a country's agriculture industry as it relates to a federal budget.

Agricultural economist jobs may also be filled at colleges and universities with resources dedicated to research in this industry. These professionals may not only participate in research, but might also serve as professors to students who are studying the economics of agriculture. Agricultural economists serving as professors could instruct business students who are preparing for careers in trading agricultural commodities and financial contracts. While many of the agricultural economist jobs are full time in nature, it's also possible for an industry expert to be called upon to participate as a consultant in development projects sponsored by local or overseas government agencies.