Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces New Chief Economist for Dept. of Agriculture

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam announced Sergio Alvarez as the newest addition to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on Tuesday. Alvarez will be the departments Chief Economist.

I am excited to bring Sergio on board to share his expertise in many areas throughout our agency, Commissioner Putnam said. His knowledge and depth will help us determine the economic impacts of policies and programs to ensure we are using taxpayers dollars in the most efficient manner.

Alvarez will work on several projects with the department, including the economic impact of the recent decline of the oyster industry in Apalachicola Bay, the economic impact of proposed rules, effects of pests and disease on the agriculture industry, and the success of the Food, Nutrition and Wellness program for children.

Alvarez earned a Ph.D. in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida.He also received several awards and fellowships at the University of Florida.

Prior to his appointment as the departments Chief Economist, Alvarez worked on several grant-based research projects including a project with the Florida Legislature to research the impact on northwest Florida from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. He also worked on bioeconomic models to rebuild overfished fisheries.