Key Takeaways

• Richard Crowder, a renowned economist and agribusiness leader, passed away at age 84.
• He served under several administrations, notably as chief agricultural negotiator during George W. Bush’s presidency.
• Crowder’s contributions to agriculture and trade were widely respected, earning him the American Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award in 2013.

Richard Crowder, a veteran economist and prominent figure in agribusiness, has died at 84. He was instrumental in U.S. agricultural trade negotiations, serving as the chief agricultural negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative during President George W. Bush’s administration. Crowder’s extensive career also included a position as USDA’s undersecretary of international affairs and commodity programs from 1989 to 1992 under President George H.W. Bush.

A graduate of Virginia Tech with a master’s degree and holding a doctorate in economics from Oklahoma State University, Crowder began his professional journey at corporations such as Exxon and Pillsbury before transitioning to government roles. He contributed to agricultural policies that impacted American farmers significantly. His expertise in trade negotiations earned him respect among colleagues; Jean-Luc Demarty, former director-general for agriculture and trade at the European Commission, remarked on Crowder’s integrity and respect for the truth in negotiations, qualities that helped build trust among trade partners.

In addition to his government work, Crowder held notable leadership positions in the private sector. He served as senior vice president at DeKalb Genetics Corp. and was president of the American Seed Trade Association. In 2006, he returned to USTR to continue his commitment to American agricultural interests. Crowder was also active in academia, joining the faculty at Virginia Tech in 2008.

His contributions to agriculture were recognized with the American Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award in 2013. Crowder was also a member of various boards, including the Farm Foundation from 2009 to 2019, as well as boards for Mendel Biotechnology and Neogen, where he influenced agricultural research and technology.

Crowder’s funeral was held recently in Baskerville, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; two sons, Richard Morgan and Matthew Blackwell; and his sister, Linda C. McClellan. His legacy in the field of agriculture and trade will be remembered by many who benefited from his dedication and expertise. For more updates on agricultural news, visit Agri-Pulse.com.

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