Thomas Reardon Named 2025 Alumnus of the Year by UC Berkeley’s ARE Department
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EmailThe Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics at the University of California, Berkeley, announced that Dr. Thomas Reardon, Distinguished Professor in AFRE has been selected as the Alumnus of 2025.
The Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics (ARE) at the University of California, Berkeley, announced that Dr. Thomas Reardon, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE) at Michigan State University (MSU), has been selected as the Alumnus of 2025. This honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to the field of agricultural economics and his leadership in global food systems.
A graduate of Berkeley’s ARE program, Reardon has built a distinguished career spanning academia and public policy. His research focuses on the transformation of global food value chains, rural–urban linkages, and the impact of supply chain changes on farmers, consumers, labor markets, and food markets. Since joining MSU AFRE in 1992, he has developed partnerships across continents and published extensively in top-tier journals. His work has influenced policy in developing and emerging economies, particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
“It is a thrill to be recognized as Alumnus of the Year by UC Berkeley Agricultural and Resource Economics Department (ARE),” says Reardon. “Past Alumni of the Year included giants in the profession such as DJ Aigner and Richard Just. It is a double honor that it is by the leading agricultural economics department in the past 50 years, and currently the leader.”
In awarding him this recognition, the Berkeley ARE Department highlighted Reardon’s role as a bridge between research and practice. His ability to translate rigorous economic analysis into actionable recommendations for governments, private firms, and international organizations has made him a respected voice in both scholarly and policy circles. Colleagues and former students praised his mentorship, collaborative spirit, and commitment to training the next generation of agricultural economists.
Chad Cotti, Chairperson of AFRE, expressed his congratulations and excitement for Reardon.
"Tom's career stands as a model of global engagement and academic excellence,” said Cotti. “His extensive research in developing regions has deepened our understanding of how food systems and market relationships evolve to connect farmers with consumers. Just as importantly, his generosity as a teacher and mentor has inspired countless students and colleagues. This honor is a well-deserved reflection of his influence, integrity, and passion for meaningful, applied economics."
Reardon will give a talk at Berkley this week, bringing together faculty and students, which is to be followed by a reception in his honor. Reardon’s recognition as Alumnus of 2025 underscores the impact and reach of his research. His achievements serve as inspiration for scholars and practitioners committed to transforming agriculture for a more food-secure and equitable future.
Reflecting on his career thus far, Reardon shared what he has valued most.
“The most rewarding aspect of my work is a life of constant curiosity, discovery, practical field research, and impact,” Reardon explained. “I see impact on broad thinking about these issues in the world as the top reward; that is reflected in Google Scholar citations of 53,000, one of the top 3 in the world out of 1000s of agricultural economists, with 10 papers each cited more than 1000 times.”
Reardon continued, “If one thinks that a citation is the tip of the iceberg of a hundred or thousand more policy advisors, students, professors, practitioners reading my articles and books (which I make of accessible language to broad audience), this means that my work has an impact on the thinking of potentially millions of persons. That huge impact is a reward coming after the daily reward of the thrill of discovery and practical field survey work.”
