The group representing agricultural economists analyzed the relocation of USDA offices from Washington D.C. to the Kansas City area. Agricultural and Applied Economics Association Past President Scott Swinton says they combined their analysis with USDA’s own study of the move. He says they found instead of saving $300 million as USDA claimed, it would cost taxpayers $83 to $162 million.
He says their group also found the relocation will mean the loss of one half to three quarters of Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture employees, which will also be costly.
Swinton says by moving those offices there are also significant real estate costs involved.
The AAEA group says a rushed, unplanned move will undermine the quality of USDA agricultural economic information at a critical time for the nation’s farm economy.
