There will be a new number two at the FAO. This is making the announcement a little early when you consider he doesn’t start until January!

FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf today announced the appointment of James G. Butler as Deputy Director-General, the number two post at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Mr Butler, a citizen of the United States of America, comes to FAO from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture, where he has served as Deputy Director-General since December 2005. He is expected to assume his duties at FAO in January 2008.

Mr Butler previously served as Deputy Undersecretary of the Farm and Foreign Agriculture Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture from November 2002 to December 2005. He holds a Ph.D. in Animal Physiology from the University of Arizona, an M.S. in Animal Science from New Mexico University, and a B.S. in Animal Science from Texas A&M University. Mr Butler follows David Harcharik, who has held the position since January 1998.