2026 AAEA Annual Meeting, July 26-28, Kansas City

2026 AAEA Annual Meeting, July 26-28, Kansas City

2026 Local Food Economics Data Visualization Challenge

USDA - Agricultural Marketing Service LogoWe are excited to announce the 2026 Local Food Economics Data Visualization Challenge, generously sponsored by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), and co-organized by the AAEA Graduate Student Section (GSS) and AMS!

This challenge is an opportunity to practice your coding and data visualization skills, build your network, connect with mentors, learn about USDA AMS’ local food data tools and potentially receive travel support to attend the 2026 AAEA Annual Meeting in Kansas City, MO.

What is the challenge?

This AAEA competition will challenge graduate student teams of three in agricultural and applied economics from around the United States to develop a novel data visualization and analysis that responds to competition prompts using the USDA AMS Local Food Data Warehouse and FAME tools and present the visualization to judges at the AAEA Annual Meeting. USDA AMS funds will provide travel support for student teams to attend the AAEA Annual Meeting in Kansas City, MO on July 26-28, 2026, and cash awards for winning teams.

How will the teams be structured?

  • Students can apply either as an individual or as a team of three students.
    • Individuals will be matched with two other individuals using information gathered in the application.
    • Teams can include students from the same or different universities.
  • All teams will be assigned one faculty member and one USDA AMS staff member as mentors.

Who can participate? 

Applicants must:

  • Be students enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program in applied economics or a closely related field in the United States during the 2025-2026 academic year,
  • Have at least beginner knowledge in coding and data visualization and an interest to practice these skills, and
  • Have experience in or desire to learn about local food systems.

Graduate students from all types of institutions are encouraged to apply.

Please note: When selecting participants from among the applications, we will prioritize students in agricultural and applied economics programs and students who have not participated in this challenge in prior years.

What’s expected of participants?

  • Attend one 90-minute competition kick-off webinar at 11 AM-12:30 PM Pacific/2-3:30 PM Eastern on Friday, May 15, 2026 to become oriented to FAME and the Data Warehouse, hear the competition prompt, and meet with your team and mentors.
  • Work in person and/or virtually with your team in May, June, and July 2026 to develop your data visualization and analysis following the prompt and rules provided at the kick-off webinar.
  • Meet with your team and mentors 3-4 times over Zoom during May, June, and July 2026 leading up to the challenge submission to discuss ideas, get feedback, and ask questions – your group can determine the meeting times that best fit your schedule.
  • Attend optional skills webinars in May and June 2026 to build data visualization skills. (While open to all AAEA members, these webinars will be focused on skills needed for the Data Visualization Challenge and prioritize competition participants’ needs and questions.)
  • Upload your completed data visualization submission for judge review by Friday, July 17 at 11:59 PM Pacific.
  • Present your data visualization and analysis in person to competition judges at the AAEA Annual Meeting on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Kansas City, MO.

What are the benefits to participants?

  • Cash prizes and plaques for top three teams and recognition during the Awards Ceremony at the AAEA Annual Meeting (the evening of Monday, July 27)
    • Cash awards: $1,200 for 1st place, $600 for 2nd place, and $300 for 3rd place
  • Travel awards to attend the 2026 AAEA Annual Meeting in Kansas City, MO (based on need)
  • Networking opportunities with fellow graduate students, faculty experts in local food systems, and USDA AMS staff members
  • Opportunities to practice and develop data visualization and coding skills
  • Enhanced familiarity with AMS’ local food tools

To apply, please complete this application form at your earliest convenience, and no later than Friday, April 17: Link to Survey

If applying as a team of three, please compile all team information so it can be submitted on one form. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by Friday, May 1.

Questions can be directed to Data Visualization Challenge Organizer Dr. Zoë Plakias (plakiaz@wwu.edu).

Important Dates