Nationally recognized economist to serve as co-director of Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M

COLLEGE STATION — The Agricultural and Food Policy Center, or AFPC, at Texas A&M University, College Station, named Dr. Bart Fischer as co-director beginning Sept. 1. 

Fischer comes to AFPC after serving more than eight years at the House Committee on Agriculture as chief economist under two chairmen, Rep. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma and Rep. K. Michael Conaway of Texas. For the past two and a half years, he also served as deputy staff director.

During his time on the committee, Fischer helped usher through the 2014 and 2018 farm bills. He worked closely with numerous members of Congress, congressional staffers, executive branch officials and stakeholders in developing legislative language and later reconciling the House and Senate bills. He has been involved in every major agricultural policy development in Washington, D.C. over the past eight years and has made countless presentations to agricultural and food organizations, keeping them informed on the latest policy and political developments, explained Dr. Joe Outlaw, co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center.

“It is rare for people with Bart’s skill set and experience to want to come back to a university setting, but I think it is a credit to the relevance of the work that we do,” said Outlaw. “We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Bart through the years and have always admired and respected his passion for production agriculture and agricultural policy. As a fifth-generation family farmer and an accomplished economist, he brings both real-world practicality and scholarly intellect to this leadership role.

Fischer earned high praise from Texas agricultural groups delighted that he is joining Texas A&M. 

“Bart has worked tirelessly on behalf of Texas farmers for many years, and his extensive knowledge and understanding of farm policy ensures that he is the perfect fit for this role as co-director alongside Joe Outlaw,” said Steve Verett, executive vice president for Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., Lubbock. “D.C.’s loss is our gain here in Texas, and we offer our sincerest congratulations to Bart and welcome him and his family to the Lone Star State.” 

“Bart has provided creative and wise counsel to agriculture policymakers across Capitol Hill, including two Agriculture Committee chairmen,” said Matt Huie, a south Texas farmer and the president of the Southwest Council of Agribusiness, or SWCA. “Bart’s work has benefited all in agriculture, and I am excited to see that work continue as co-director of AFPC. The SWCA proudly joins a legion of public and private sector groups and individuals focused on strong U.S. farm policy in congratulating Dr. Bart Fischer on a job well done and Godspeed in this important work ahead.” 

“I am incredibly excited to be back on campus at Texas A&M University, and I look forward to helping lead the important work at AFPC,” Fischer said. 

Fischer hails from Chattanooga, Oklahoma, where he still farms with his family. He earned bachelor’s degrees in agricultural economics and business administration from Oklahoma State University, a master’s degree in environmental policy from the University of Cambridge and a doctorate in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University. 

He and his wife Karalyn, along with their three children, will reside in College Station.