Have agricultural and applied economists lost sight of the land-grant mission? A Textual Analysis of Presidential Addresses and Invited Papers from 1919-2022

Established to serve public needs in agriculture, education, and research, land grants are being reflected upon by agricultural economists with relation to their role. This study analyzes 4,001 invited papers and presidential speeches from the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) spanning from 1919 to 2022. RECIPES researcher Norbert Wilson and colleagues found that, while there is a historical commitment to addressing societal challenges like food security, the focus of agricultural economists may have shifted away from this mission over time.

This shift is particularly concerning in light of the growing issue of food waste, affecting both food availability and environmental sustainability. The study shows that agricultural economists can play an important role in reducing food waste by investigating agricultural practices, supply chains, and consumer behaviors. For example, they can identify where food is lost during production, distribution, or consumption and create strategies to improve efficiency. The authors argue that reconnecting with the land-grant mission could help agricultural economists address food waste more effectively by promoting sustainable practices and policies that ensure equitable food distribution.

Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of agricultural economists engaging more actively in efforts to combat food waste. By leveraging their expertise and focusing on the land-grant mission, they can help develop solutions that not only reduce waste but also enhance food security for communities. This renewed focus is essential as society grapples with the challenges posed by food waste and its broader impacts.