CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 08/15/19

UGA’s Dorfman to provide in-depth economic forecasts, modeling as state fiscal economist

By Merritt Melancon

For three decades, University of Georgia students have relied on Professor Jeffrey Dorfman to help them apply sound economic reasoning to the world outside their classroom.

As of Aug. 1, Dorfman is applying that economic reasoning to real-world problems and situations in the policy arena as the state fiscal economist of Georgia.

In this role, Dorfman will develop forecasts based on Georgia's tax revenue, work closely with bond rating agencies to identify revenue and economic trends, and manage the development of fiscal impact estimates on tax-related legislative proposals.

“I am excited to serve in this new role, and I look forward to providing the state of Georgia and Gov. Kemp's administration the most accurate and timely economic input that I can,” said Dorfman, a longtime professor in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.

His research at UGA ranges from the economics of land-use policy to disaster recovery and methods of calculating economic impact. He is a prolific writer and a sought-after source in the popular media.

“Given Jeffrey Dorfman's extensive background and expertise in economics, I am confident that he is the right choice to serve as the state fiscal economist,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a news release on Aug. 12. “Over the years, Jeffrey has earned a stellar reputation in his field, mentored countless students to ensure their academic success, and provided critical insight to leaders in the private and public sectors.”

Dorfman joined the faculty at UGA in 1989 and teaches classes in the economics of the food industry, microeconomic theory, and macroeconomic theory and policy. His research on economic forecasting, food insecurity, productivity measurement, and the economics of growth and sprawl is often reported in industry, academic and popular media alike.

Most recently, Dorfman has been called on to help calculate the impact of trade policy on Georgia farmers and to calculate the economic impact of UGA.

In 2013, Dorfman was elected as a fellow by the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association. He has testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, the Georgia Legislature, and a U.S. Department of Agriculture panel on farmland preservation. He served as editor of the American Journal of Agricultural Economics from 2009 to 2012 and has worked as a consultant to a variety of businesses, foundations and local governments, including four Fortune 500 corporations, as well as serving as a senior fellow at the Georgia Public Policy Foundation.

For more information on the mission and work of the CAES Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, visit agecon.uga.edu.

(Gov. Brian Kemp’s communications office contributed to this release.)

Merritt Melancon, a public relations manager for the UGA Terry College of Business, previously served as a public relations coordinator for the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Extension.

Authors:
Merritt Melancon
Experts/Sources:
Jeffrey H. Dorfman
As of Aug. 1, Professor Jeffrey Dorfman is serving as the state fiscal economist of Georgia.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Download Image
HurricaneHeleneGreenhouseDamageCropped CAES News
UGA Extension supports resilience in Georgia farm communities after Hurricane Helene 12/19/24 Emily Cabrera
Hurricane Helene wrought sweeping devastation across Georgia’s agricultural sector in late September, leaving an indelible mark on both the land and the people who tend it, bringing focus to vulnerabilities in Georgia’s farming industry and the need for more robust safety nets. In addition to the physical destruction, the hurricane took an emotional toll on Georgia’s farmers. In response, UGA Extension has prioritized mental health support.
In Georgia alone, there are nearly 400,000 individuals employed in some segment of hospitality. With the unique mix of leisure travel in coastal Georgia and convention travel in Atlanta, HFIM students have a wealth of opportunities to choose the area that suits them best. CAES News
UGA redefines Southern hospitality through a thriving degree program 11/27/24 Claire S. Kinnard
There are nearly 400,000 individuals employed in some segment of hospitality in Georgia. With the unique mix of leisure travel in coastal Georgia and convention travel in Atlanta, University of Georgia hospitality and food industry management students have a wealth of opportunities to choose the area that suits them best. This versatile experience — with its focus on quality curriculum, meaningful interaction with local and national business, and experiential learning — has already begun graduating the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Conner Hall CAES News
CAES welcomes 2024 cohort of Rural Scholars 11/20/24 Maria M. Lameiras
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences welcomed its fourth cohort of students chosen for the CAES Rural Scholars Program this fall just weeks after celebrating the program's first graduation. Georgia Orman, one of four inaugural Rural Scholars in CAES, graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education. The new scholars for 2024, all from Georgia, are Ela Ash of Ocilla, Lauren E. Coley of Cochran, Amelia Housley of Canon, and London O’Steen of Ambrose.
UGA Grand Farm Site Plan web CAES News
UGA Grand Farm wins stage two of 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund competition 11/13/24 Jordan Powers
Startups in the agricultural technology sector face significant barriers on the path to establishment, including access to training and capital. These barriers are heightened for underrepresented entrepreneurs seeking to start new companies. The University of Georgia Grand Farm, part of a historic partnership between the University of Georgia and Fargo, North Dakota-based Grand Farm, aims to change that.
TiftonCampusSunset2 CAES News
CAES Transfer Pathways Program expands enrollment access for rural students 11/12/24 Emily Cabrera
The Transfer Pathways Program is opening new doors for rural students who dream of attending the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). In partnership with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and Southern Regional Technical College, students who complete required coursework at these institutions can transfer to CAES to complete bachelor’s degrees in one of three majors — agribusiness, agricultural education, and agriscience and environmental systems. 
In partnership with the Center for Black Entrepreneurship, Innovation Gateway is one of 49 recipients of the Federal and State Technology Grant, receiving $200,000 to support proposals for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer. (Photo courtesy of Center for Black Entrepreneurship) CAES News
Innovation Gateway partners with Center for Black Entrepreneurship on new SBA grant 11/08/24 Brandon Ward
Innovation Gateway will continue supporting startups and technology-based small businesses affiliated with the University of Georgia—thanks, in part, to the renewal of the Federal and State Technology Grant. In partnership with the Center for Black Entrepreneurship, Innovation Gateway is one of 49 grant recipients in 2024, receiving $200,000 to support proposals for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grants, which are awarded to startup businesses engaged in developing advanced technologies.