The Role of Economics and Statistics in the USDA

The first issue of Agricultural Economics Research appeared in January 1949. The original purpose of the new journal was to provide the Bureau of Agricultural Economics with a "medium for the publication of technical articles." Following the abolition of the Bureau in late 1953, the journal continued to be issued—first under the sponsorship of the Agricultural Marketing Service, and later under the joint sponsorship of that agency and the Agricultural Research Service. In April of this year, the economic and statistical work of the U.S. Department of Agriculture was regrouped and reoriented under a Director of Agricultural Economics, reporting directly to the Secretary of Agriculture. It is most appropriate, therefore, that this issue carry an introductory article by the new Director, outlining the historical development of economic and statistical research in the Department in relation to the new organization covering these fields.