WASHINGTON DC, Feb. 28, 2008 - Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced the selection of Dr. Joseph Glauber as USDA Chief Economist. Glauber has served as Acting Chief Economist since the Jan. 3, 2008 retirement of Dr. Keith Collins.

"I am pleased that Joe Glauber's thoughtful contributions will continue to guide USDA's informed decision-making for the continued betterment of American agriculture," said Schafer. "Joe is highly-regarded for his thorough analysis and insight and well-prepared for the demands of this post through 15 years of demonstrated strength in agricultural economics as USDA Deputy Chief Economist."

As Chief Economist, Glauber is responsible for USDA's agricultural forecasts and projections and for advising the Secretary of Agriculture on economic implications of alternative programs, regulations, and legislative proposals. His responsibilities include the Office of the Chief Economist, the World Agricultural Outlook Board, the Office of Risk Assessment and Cost-Benefit analysis, the Global Change Program Office, and the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses.

Glauber has served as Deputy Chief Economist at USDA since 1992. He was recently elected to serve as Chairman of the Federal Crop Insurance Board of Directors in his capacity at USDA. He returned to USDA in December from temporary assignment to the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. In addition to his work in the Doha negotiations, he served as Senior Staff Economist for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Trade at the President's Council of Economic Advisers and as an economist at the USDA Economic Research Service. Glauber received his Ph.D. in agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin in 1984 and holds an AB in anthropology from the University of Chicago.