Chief Economist
USDA

Dr. Benavidez is the Chief Economist for USDA. He joined the Office of the Chief Economist in January 2026. In this role, Dr. Benavidez leads OCE’s team in their mission to ensure USDA’s policies and programs are informed by sound, data-driven economic research in support of America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

Prior to joining OCE, Dr. Benavidez served as the Chief Economist for the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, majority staff. He worked closely with the Chairman, members of the Committee, and their staff on developing policy, estimating the economic impacts and costs of those policies, and advising on agricultural production and economics. Prior to his tenure with the Committee, Dr. Benavidez was an Extension Assistant Professor in the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension system, stationed in the Amarillo office serving the Texas Panhandle.

Benavidez received his BS, MS, and PhD in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University studying production economics and agricultural policy. Justin is originally from Tulia, Texas.