Excellence in Research - Erik Lichtenberg

Erik Lichtenberg joined the faculty at the University of Maryland in 1988 having earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, American University, and the University of California, Berkeley, respectively. He has acquired international prominence for his work on the economics of agriculture and environment.

Dr. Lichtenberg's research has focused primarily on pesticide use and regulation and secondarily on water quality, irrigation and drainage, and fertilizer use and regulation. His papers on the measurement of pesticide productivity and risk effects of pesticides have changed the ways economists discuss these topics. His work on the double dividend developed a topic of broad interest related to controlling pollution in any industry such as agriculture where other distortions already exist. His work on cosmetic pesticide use remains the sole rigorous economic investigation of that issue. He has been a leader in bringing broader perspectives into economic studies of pesticides, collaborating with public health experts in developing and applying risk benefit methods and with entomologists and other crop scientists in studying integrated control strategies.

His work on cosmetic pesticide use shows that stricter quality standards necessarily increase pesticide use only when produce is sold in mixed lots. For the common case with grading standards, he finds the surprising result that tighter quality standards may actually reduce pesticide use. This work together with his paper with Robert Chambers on the econometrics of pesticide productivity has placed Erik in a position of national leadership in the empirical analysis of chemical use in agriculture. His work persistently carries through from problem identification and careful basic examination to development of results of interest to the clientele of economics. In short, his work is a model for fulfilling the land-grant mission. He values applied and understandable solutions to real problems.

Dr. Lichtenberg's publication record and accomplishments in obtaining competitive grants is impressive in terms of both quantity and quality. It is characterized by combining detailed knowledge of relevant technical and regulatory issues, a competent use of microeconomic theory in analyzing the important policy issues, and careful application of data and econometric methods to clarify the issues raised. He has been awarded over twenty grants totaling more than $1 million as a sole or co-principle investigator from prestigious institutions. In 1998 Erik received a Fulbright grant to teach in Argentina. He has been invited to give presentations in Europe and Latin America in addition to venues throughout the U.S.

His dedication to the state of Maryland is reflected in his research. He has administered surveys tracking Maryland farmers' use of conservation practices, cost sharing and their reliance on publicly provided information. He is the ideal of how research should integrate into the land grant system.

For more information, contact Gail Yeiser

Last updated: 03/12/2009