WASHINGTON — Warren Preston has been named deputy chief economist of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, effective Feb. 21. Dr. Preston has been senior economist for agricultural policy in the Office of the Chief Economist since August 2015. Before that, he was acting deputy chief economist. He has been with the U.S.D.A. since 1992.

“Dr. Preston is extremely well prepared for the demands of this position through years of experience in applying economic analysis to agricultural policy issues in U.S.D.A. and in academia,” Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said in announcing the appointment.

Warren Preston, new deputy chief economist of the U.S.D.A.

In his new position, Dr. Preston will be responsible for advising the chief economist, the secretary and top policy officials in connection with the economic implications of programs, regulations and legislative proposal related to the U.S. food and fiber system.

Earlier in his career with the U.S.D.A., Dr. Preston held positions in the Agricultural Marketing Service and Grain, Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. Before joining the U.S.D.A., he held faculty positions at Virginia Tech University. He holds master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural economics from Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree in dairy science from The Ohio State University.