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At the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA), held July 27-29 in Denver, scholars, colleagues, and friends came together to celebrate the establishment of the Dr. Carl Pray Appreciation Club, celebrating the outstanding scholarly contributions, mentorship, and international leadership of Dr. Carl Pray, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics at Rutgers University. Dr. Yanhong Jin accepted this recognition on behalf of Dr. Pray during the conference.
Dr. Pray has made pathbreaking contributions to the study of agricultural science and technology policy, with a global focus on Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He earned his Ph.D. in Economic History from the University of Pennsylvania and has published over 100 articles in leading journals such as Science, Nature, American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Economic Development and Cultural Change, and Research Policy.
Beyond his prolific research, Dr. Pray has been a global thought leader and institution builder. He served as President of the International Consortium for Applied Bioeconomy Research (ICABR) for 14 years and continues to serve on its Board. His collaborative work across continents has shaped agricultural innovation policy and empowered generations of researchers and policymakers in the Global South.
The Club will serve as a platform to celebrate Carl’s legacy, promote continued scholarship in agricultural science and technology policy, and encourage the next generation of international researchers. In the words of one charter member, “Carl has not only shaped the field, he has shaped people—his generosity, humility, and quiet leadership are as impactful as his academic work.”
DAFRE faculty members were actively engaged in the 2025 AAEA Annual Meeting
Dr. James Oehmke, the department chair and professor who participated in the Chair’s section, the Africa section, and the Agribusiness section as well as several other sessions.
Dr. Yanhong Jin served as a panelist in a well-attended pre-conference workshop titled “The New Economics of Food Security and Nutrition.” In addition, six of her coauthored papers were presented at the conference.
Dr. Seowoo Lee attended the Extension Section Meeting and connected with extension professionals across the country as she prepares for her new role as an Extension Specialist in Farm Viability.
Dr. Sanjib Bhuyan attended the pre-conference AAEA Teaching Academy workshop organized by award-winning teaching faculty. This is a one-year academy and there will be follow-up tasks for all attendees. The focus of this year’s workshop was on teaching scholarship and target audience was early career faculty; however, there was lessons for all.
Faculty involvement reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to cutting-edge research and active engagement in professional communities.
The Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics is proud to celebrate the achievements of its faculty, students, and distinguished alumni at AAEA and beyond.
Links: https://www.aaea.org/trust/appreciation-clubs/carl-pray
https://www.aaea.org/meetings/2025-aaea-annual-meeting/about