Economics Graduate Student Selected as Farm Foundation Scholar 2024

Olivia Richard, first-year master’s student in economics, has been selected to the 2024 class of the Farm Foundation Agricultural Scholars Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS).

“The objective of the Agricultural Scholars program is to inspire and train the next generation of agricultural economists interested in agricultural policy, commodity market analysis, agricultural finance, and other applied fields of economics,” stated Jenna Wicks, Farm Foundation Agricultural Scholars program manager.

In 2024, scholars selected from colleges across the U.S. will engage in learning experiences that allow them to gain a deeper understanding of government and agricultural policies. Richard will attend two round tables (the first is in Hawaii), where thought leaders from government, academic, and agribusinesses will explore issues that impact food and agricultural sectors. “The exchange of perspectives expands understanding of different approaches to the issues and challenges facing agriculture, the food system and rural communities,” said Wicks.

Richard will have the opportunity to conduct and present research alongside USDA ERS economists in topics related to agricultural economics such as agricultural policy and commodity market analysis. During the year, she will attend many forums and national Farm Foundation conferences where she will have a chance to build professional relationships in her primary focus area of environmental and agricultural economic research.

“My career goal is to become an economist for federal agencies producing research that has the potential to impact real policy within our country,” Richard said. “This opportunity will provide me with knowledge and skills about agricultural policy and an understanding of research within government as a whole.”