Seth Meyer Returns to Lead FAPRI at Mizzou

By Blake Jackson

Seth Meyer, the United States Department of Agriculture’s chief economist, will return to the University of Missouri on Jan. 1, 2026, to lead the internationally recognized Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI). Pat Westhoff, who has directed the institute since 2011, will retire on March 1, 2026.

Meyer brings extensive experience from USDA, where he has held multiple roles, including head of the World Agricultural Outlook Board, publisher of the WASDE (World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates) report, and assistant director of FAPRI before returning to USDA in 2021 as chief economist. He earned his PhD in Agricultural Economics from Mizzou.

FAPRI, part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Program of Distinction, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. The institute provides unbiased analysis of agricultural markets and policies for Congress, USDA, commodity groups, and international governments.

Its reports assess how policy and market changes could affect prices, production, consumers, and government costs.

“This is a great opportunity to continue to provide solid agricultural policy development in support of the agricultural sector, cooperate with other faculty members and return home to Missouri,” Meyer said. “I look forward to the opportunity to do more in-depth analysis and research. FAPRI provides the holistic picture; they are deliberate, objective. Both sides of the aisle call on them to make informed decisions.”

As FAPRI director, Meyer will oversee about a dozen faculty and staff members conducting research for academic and non-academic audiences, teaching, outreach, and service. He has built an international reputation in agricultural and biofuel policy analysis and commodity markets, with work spanning the UK, Ireland, Africa, and Bulgaria.

“Seth’s experience as USDA Chief Economist provides the credibility and leadership needed to ensure that FAPRI remains a trusted source of policy analysis,” said Harvey James, director of the Division of Applied Social Sciences.

“His deep knowledge, proven ability to respond under pressure and extensive professional networks make him exceptionally well-suited to guide FAPRI and to support Mizzou’s land-grant mission.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Meyer back to Mizzou and FAPRI. He is taking the helm of a vital resource for our country and the agriculture industry, and I can think of no one better suited for the task,” said Christopher Daubert, vice chancellor and dean of CAFNR.

Photo Credit: university-of-missouri