The AAEA: Ever Growing and Changing Research Challenges

The changing economic conditions over the past century, along with changes in technology and developments in economic theory and quantitative methods, helped shape the profession we currently refer to as agricultural and applied economics. The broadening of the profession from the original focus on the farm and agricultural industry to encompass international affairs, governmental policies, resources, and environmental and rural affairs is discussed within this context. Emergence of the subdisciplines and some of the major individual contributions are noted. The final section argues that members of the profession are well positioned to continue contributing research that will help society achieve its goals, and notes six challenges that provide such opportunities.