Robert Johansson has been named the USDA’s chief economist. The chief economist is responsible for the USDA’s agricultural forecasts and projections and for advising the secretary of agriculture on economic implications of programs, regulations and legislative proposals.

His responsibilities include the Office of the Chief Economist, the World Agricultural Outlook Board, the Office of Risk Assessment and Cost-Benefit analysis, the Global Change Program Office, and the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses. He also serves as chairman of the Federal Crop Insurance Board of Directors. Prior to being named chief economist, Johansson served as the USDA’s acting chief economist and deputy chief economist. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and Northwestern University.