Recently, the Council on Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (C-FARE) recognized Congressman Chet Edwards (TX-17) and Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-3) as the "2009 Friends of C-FARE and Agricultural Economics" for their appreciation of the application of economics to policy issues involving agriculture, natural resources, food and nutrition topics, at a reception held in 1302 Longworth House Office Building. C-FARE Chair Dr. Jon Brandt from North Carolina State University stated, "Our profession is grateful to both Members for their continued appreciation of economic analysis to improve public policy."

Dr. John Nichols from Texas A&M University, who presented the honor to Congressman Edwards, stated, "He has been an ardent supporter of funding for agricultural research and innovation throughout his tenure in Congress." Nichols added, "Early in his career he recognized the importance of agriculture, not only to his constituents in Central Texas, but to a nation founded on its hardworking principles."

Dr. Mike Woods from Oklahoma State University, who presented the honor to Congressman Lucas stated, "Since taking office in 1994 Congressman Lucas has maintained a strong linkage with the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics." He added, "In his second term, Mr. Lucas established an agricultural policy internship and has provided funding and training for undergraduate agricultural economists, many of whom obtained graduate degrees and now work in D.C. in policy related areas. Mr. Lucas continues to mentor many of these former interns."

Congressman Edwards is one of the few House Members who serves on both the Budget and Appropriations Committees. On the Appropriations Committee he is the chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, vice chair of the Energy and Water Subcommittee and a member of the Financial Services Subcommittee.

Congressman Lucas serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. In addition, he serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Science and Technology. The Congressman is a graduate of the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics.

The reception was held in conjunction with the National Association of Agricultural Economics Administrators (NAAEA) as part of their bi-annual meeting which focuses on economics policies and funding issues of importance to researchers and producers across the country. The reception also honors the economists who provide information and guidance to the policy process, especially those who work on Capitol Hill and at the various government agencies. Agricultural economics is the study of the economic forces that affect the food, fiber and fuel industry from the producer and rural communities to the agribusiness and the consumer.

The Council on Food, Agricultural, and Resource Economics (C-FARE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the national presence of the agricultural economics profession. C-FARE’s governing board includes prominent agricultural economists representing a wide range of public and private sector interests. For more information or to view the press releases on-line, please visit our website at www.cfare.org/updates/Friend%20of%20Ag%20Econ%20Reception%20Press%20Release%2009x.pdf.