Ralph D. Christy, professor of emerging markets in the Department of Applied Economics Management, has been named the new director of the Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development (CIIFAD).

"As the outgoing director of CIIFAD, I have a personal and vested interest in its future," said Alice Pell, vice provost for international relations. "I am delighted to turn the reins over to Ralph Christy. Ralph has established research and educational programs through CIIFAD and the Mellon Foundation in countries around the world and advises industry leaders and public policymakers on food marketing strategies, economic development and the organization of the global food economy. I am confident that under Ralph's strong leadership, CIIFAD's future will be bright."

Christy teaches and conducts food marketing research and educational programs on the economic performance of markets and distribution systems. He has worked as an agricultural economist in Hungary, South Africa, Cameroon, Jamaica, Kenya, Slovakia and Zimbabwe. He served as president of the American Agricultural Economics Association in 1995-96 and is currently on the board of Winrock International, Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and the African Agribusiness Capital Fund. He earned his Ph.D. in agricultural economics from Michigan State University in 1980 and joined the Cornell faculty in 1991. In 2007 he was awarded the Kaplan Fellowship Award through the Cornell Public Service Center.

Established in 1990, CIIFAD, with partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America, initiates and supports innovative programs that contribute to improved prospects for global food security, sustainable rural development and environmental conservation around the world. CIIFAD is a universitywide initiative operating through the Office of the Vice Provost for International Relations.