Economic Outlook and Policy Webinar Series

COLUMBUS, OH—The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE) annual Economic Outlook and Policy Webinar Series topics and dates for spring 2024 have been officially announced.

What are the key international issues with grain marketing in 2024? Do renewable energy needs ask too much of rural Americans? Uncertainty and rising prices have become fixtures in our financial and economic decision-making as of late. This uncertainty and unrest have far-reaching impacts on not just our wallets, but also on the very environment in which we live. Join our expert economists each month for insights and ideas on key food sector, energy sector, economic development, and environmental issues.

“We are really excited about our lineup this spring, as it addresses a number of the most pressing issues facing Americans today, especially here in Ohio where economic development and energy projects are creating new pressure on land and resources in rural areas,” said Brent Sohngen, an AEDE professor.

At the first webinar on Jan. 24, 2024, Jared Grant, an AEDE assistant professor, will offer the following talk: “An Influencer’s Impact: How Trust May Shape Food Demand.” Consumers can be very particular about their grocery shopping habits, instinctively driven by their trust in certain retailers, food brands, or the store’s location. For stakeholders and policymakers, this talk will highlight examples of how trust can factor into food demand, such as the impact an influencer or celebrity endorsement can have on a food product or food initiative.

Here is the schedule for the upcoming webinar series. All webinars start at noon and last one hour.

• Feb. 21: “Grain Marketing in 2024: What Are the Key International Issues?” with Ian Sheldon and Seungki Lee
• March 20: “Place-based Economic Development: The Case of Intel” with Yao Wang
• April 17: “Do Renewable Energy Needs Ask Too Much of Rural Americans? A View from Ohio” with Mark Partridge
• May 15: “Excess Emissions: Environmental Impacts, Health Effects, and Policy Debate” with Alex Hollingsworth
• June 5: “Agricultural Labor Supply and Citizenship Status” with Margaret Jodlowski

Each webinar will be recorded as it occurs and will be published on the AEDE website and the AEDE YouTube page. To register for any of the webinars mentioned herein, click here.