Warren Preston named new deputy chief economist of USDA.

WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — Warren Preston has been named deputy chief economist of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), effective Feb. 21. Preston has been senior economist for agricultural policy in the Office of the Chief Economist since August 2015. Before that, he was acting deputy chief economist. He has been with USDA since 1992.

“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,” Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said in announcing the appointment.

In his new position, Preston will be responsible for advising the chief economist, the secretary and top policy officials in connection with the economic implications of programs, regulations and legislative proposal related to the U.S. food and fiber system.

Earlier in his career with USDA, Preston held positions in the Agricultural Marketing Service and Grain, Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. Before joining USDA, he held faculty positions at Virginia Tech University.