Ralph Dean Christy

Ralph Dean Christy serves as Professor at Cornell University's Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, where he also directs the Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development. His academic career focuses on food marketing research and educational programs concerning economic performance of markets and distribution systems.

• Professor of Emerging Markets
• Director, Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development
• Faculty Expertise: Applied Economics, Emerging Markets, International and Development Economics and Policy

Christy's research centers on food marketing strategies, economic development, and the organization of the global food economy. His recent work emphasizes creating an enabling environment to accelerate agro-industries' contributions to sustainable economic growth and development in emerging markets. He has advised industry leaders and public policymakers on these critical economic issues.

Christy has authored three significant books in his field: A Century of Service: Land Grant Colleges and Universities, 1890-1990 (1992), Achieving Sustainable Communities in a Global Economy (2004), and Emerging Markets (forthcoming). His academic contributions span agricultural economics, market systems analysis, and development economics.

As a respected leader in his field, Christy served as past president of the American Agricultural Economics Association and currently holds board positions with the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, WinRock International, and the Agribusiness Capital Fund.

• PhD, Michigan State University, 1980
• MS, Michigan State University, 1977
• BS, Southern University, 1975

Professor Christy teaches advanced courses including AEM 4420/AEM 5420 - Emerging Markets and AEM 4421/AEM 5421 - Research and Strategy in Emerging Markets, preparing students for careers addressing complex global economic challenges.