Preston named deputy chief economist for USDA

Warren Preston has worked in the agricultural and economic fields in various capacities since 1992.
Warren Preston has worked in the agricultural and economic fields in various capacities since 1992. | File photo

Effective Sunday, Warren Preston will be the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Deputy Chief Economist.

Before this appointment, he served as the senior economist for agricultural policy in the Office of the Chief Economist.

"I am pleased that Dr. Preston's experience in program and policy analysis will continue to support informed decision making at USDA to the benefit of American agriculture," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "Dr. Preston is extremely well prepared for the demands of this position through years of experience in applying economic analysis to agricultural policy issues in USDA and in academia."

Preston has advised top policy officials on the economic implications of programs, regulations and legislative proposals as it affects the U.S. food and fiber system and rural areas. He has worked in the agricultural and economic fields in various capacities since 1992, and also held a research and teaching position at Virginia Tech.

Preston holds a bachelor’s degree in dairy science from Ohio State University and master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural economics from Purdue University.