CARD Announces New Division Heads

January 11, 1999

AMES, Iowa – The Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new division heads. Cathy Kling, professor of economics, and John Beghin, associate professor of economics, began their positions at CARD in January. Kling is the new Resource and Environmental Policy Division head at CARD. “I am excited to learn about CARD in more detail as I begin my new position,” she said. “And, I am looking forward to the policy orientation of the work here.” Kling’s research focuses on valuing environmental goods. For example, she is currently working on a project looking at the value of preserving and restoring Iowa wetlands. She is also doing work in determining market-based incentives for controlling pollution. Kling received a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from the University of Iowa and a doctorate in economics from the University of Maryland. Beghin is the new Trade and Agricultural Policy Division head. His area of research looks at the linkages between the environment and international trade. For example, how government regulations affect the competitiveness of the U.S. hog industry in the world market place, and how labeling and phytosanitary regulations may impede the trade of agricultural products. “Working at CARD will provide me with an opportunity to do policy relevant work that passes the academic test for quality,” he said. Originally from Belgium, Beghin studied economics at both Université de l'Etat de Mons and Université Libre de Bruxelles. He has a master’s degree in agricultural economics from North Carolina State University and a doctorate in agricultural and resource economics from the University of California in Berkeley. CARD is a public policy research center founded in 1958 at Iowa State University. CARD operates as a research and teaching unit within ISU’s College of Agriculture. Using extensive databases and advanced quantitative analytical systems and theory, CARD conducts and disseminates research in the following areas trade and agricultural policy, resource and environmental policy, and food and nutrition policy.