Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) advises the Secretary of Agriculture on policies and programs affecting U.S. agriculture and rural areas, and informs the Secretary on related economic developments. The Office also is a focal point for farm labor issues within USDA. Units under the OCE coordinate the Departments work in economic forecasting, meteorology, remote sensing, risk assessment and cost benefit analysis, global climate change, sustainable development, energy policy, and new uses for farm products.
