Message from the Chairperson - Fall 2013

Message from the AFRE Chairperson - Fall 2013 newsletter

by Steve Hanson

The lifetime achievements of our faculty continue to amaze me.

John Staatz was recently named “Officier de l’ordre national du Mali” or Officer of the National Order of Mali, by Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. He received a medal and presidential decree in honor of his longstanding contributions to the nation’s food policy and development. The recognition and award received high profile national press in Mali. John “retired” in 2011, but he has continued to be active in our food security work in Mali and West Africa. He remains a highly sought-after advisor for organizations such as the United States Agency for International Development, the World Bank and the United Nations. This latest recognition is one of a long list John has received over his career including his recent election as a distinguished fellow of the African Association of Agricultural Economists.

Our first feature story looks at emerging work by David Ortega on how food safety concerns are affecting consumers’ willingness to pay for food imports. Our second story highlights innovative work by Lindon Robison on how relationships can alter economic outcomes. And our final story looks at how real-world problems and decision making are being integrated into our courses, better preparing our students for the challenges that face them after graduation.

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