Jeffrey O'Hara
Agricultural Economist
Jeffrey O’Hara is an agricultural economist in the Food & Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Dr. O’Hara researches and advocates for federal programs, including those in the farm bill, that provide financial incentives to farmers engaging in environmentally sustainable practices. His expertise also includes local food systems and community development.
Before joining UCS, Dr. O’Hara worked at the Chicago Climate Exchange and was responsible for designing institutions that facilitated the transfer of licenses in markets that either promoted water conservation or improved water quality. He also served as a consultant to the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, working on the design and implementation of a nutrient credit clearinghouse to support the state’s Chesapeake Bay water quality trading program. At the conclusion of the project, he administered the first two cleared forward contract auctions for nutrient credits. Dr. O’Hara has held previous positions with the Congressional Budget Office and Charles River Associates.
Dr. O’Hara has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and a B.S. in economics from The George Washington University.
