ICAC Announces Economist’s Promotion

By Jim.Robinson|August 28, 2013

ICAC approved the promotion of Dr. Alejandro Plastina from Economist to Senior Economist based on professional growth and accomplishment. Dr. Plastina is advancing the body of research conducted by ICAC and substantially expanding the role of the Secretariat as the recognized international body for cotton research within the community of international organizations.

During his six-year tenure as economist for the Secretariat, Dr. Plastina has served as:

– editor of the annual report “World Textile Demand” since 2007;
– editor of the bimonthly publication “Cotton: Review of the World Situation” since 2010;
– editor of the joint publication of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the ICAC “World Apparel Fiber Consumption Survey” in 2011 and 2013;
– manager of the Expert Panel on the Social, Environmental and Economic Performance of Cotton Production (SEEP) since 2012;
– invited Lecturer to the ACSA International Cotton Institute at the University of Memphis, the Texas International Cotton School at Texas Tech University, and the GEOCOTON Seminar in Paris;
– manager of the Task Force on Cotton Identity Programs since 2013; and
– vice-Chair (2012) and Chair (2013) of the Beltwide Cotton Economics and Marketing Conference.

In addition, Dr. Plastina has:

– developed and maintained econometric models to forecast demand for cotton and other textile fibers, and to forecast cotton prices;
– published 4 academic journal articles, the book chapters, and more than 70 articles in cotton-specialized magazines;
– represented the ICAC in 21 countries in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe;
– supervised seven consultants (FAO/ICAC projects) and two interns;
– developed cooperative research agreements with public and private institutions: USDA, FAO, PCI Fibres Ltd., Cotton Incorporated, and Oerlikon Saurer; and
– graduated from the Texas International Cotton School at Texas Tech University.