WSU Regents Professor elected president of global agricultural economists association

PULLMAN — As a longtime member of the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE), Jill McCluskey values the many opportunities to network, collaborate, and share research at international conferences. Recently elected IAAE president, she aspires to help other members have equally beneficial experiences.

“I didn’t expect to be elected president,” said McCluskey, Washington State University Regents Professor and School of Economic Sciences director. “It means a lot that my international colleagues put their faith in me, and I hope to provide opportunities for members to collaborate and develop as agricultural and applied economists.”

McCluskey’s research focuses on food quality and reputation, food labeling and standards, food access and retail markets, and new technology in food and agriculture. An IAAE member since 2006, she joined the organization’s board of directors in 2021.

McCluskey is only the second woman to be elected IAAE president in the association’s almost 100-year history, and the first American to hold the position in 30 years. She will assume her new role in 2027 and serve a three-year term, during which the association will celebrate its centennial. Until 2027, she holds the position of president-elect and is a member of IAAE’s executive board.

“Jill McCluskey understands the international research and policy challenges for food and agriculture very well and can bring together and motivate colleagues with very diverse backgrounds to contribute to bigger-picture goals,” said current IAAE President Matin Qaim, Schlegel professor of agricultural economics at the University of Bonn, Germany.  “We very much look forward to her vision for the international agricultural economics profession and her leadership of our great association.”

Since its founding in 1929, IAAE has worked to bring together agricultural economists from around the world and promote their common professional interests. McCluskey emphasizes the value of participating in an international organization such as IAAE, highlighting its potential to introduce members to a variety of perspectives.