Dr. Malek Hammami was born and raised in Tunisia, a country in North Africa with an amazing and rich culture that records from the 8th century BC. Malek's journey began during his undergrad when he recognized the pivotal role that economic principles play in shaping agricultural systems. Witnessing the intricate relationship between resource allocation, market dynamics, and sustainable farming practices, he became curious in how economic strategies could drive positive change in the agricultural sector. This curiosity led him to pursue advanced studies in Agricultural Economics, where he has been able to delve deeper into issues like food security, rural development, and policy analysis. He aims to contribute insights that empower farmers, policymakers, and communities to navigate the complex landscape of agricultural economics and promote a resilient and prosperous future for our food systems.

During his doctorate, Malek worked with US imports of olive oil, he was interested in explaining why and how the US consumption of this product has more than tripled in the last 20 years. His project was mostly a trade research problem analyzing the US need for food that is not necessarily a US specialization, i.e., olive oil. He chose this topic because olive oil has a strong cultural tie with the Mediterranean region where he spent most of his lifetime, and because of his interest in shifting towards healthy diets, like the Mediterranean diet. 

Currently, Malek is working with Florida's fruits and vegetable industries. He delves into the pressing economic issues that these industries face, including labor concerns, trade dynamics, inflation impacts, and the influence of diverse policies. He provides insights to growers and the community about the potential economic ramifications of these challenges and offer a glimpse into future trajectories. Alongside this analysis, he is working on viable solutions and strategies to effectively overcome these challenges.

Like most people in grad school, Malek has encountered multiple challenges over his career. In his perspective, overcoming those challenges requires treating them as routine daily matters while maintaining discipline and commitment.  He said, “The crucial factor is to persist and never give up. You never truly realize how close you are to achieving your goals until you attain them”.

“Malek is an exceptional colleague, both professionally and personally. Our journey began together at GCREC in 2021, and since then, we've collaborated on numerous projects. One of Malek's standout qualities is his unwavering willingness to offer assistance; he's not hesitant to put in extra time to ensure tasks are completed promptly. His proficiency in agricultural trade is remarkable, and he's always enthusiastic about discussing his research discoveries and insights on agricultural trade and the current market landscape.

Beyond his expertise, Malek shines as a communicator, readily sharing compliments and fostering a positive atmosphere. During moments of difficulty, his presence was a constant source of encouragement, helping me rebuild my confidence. Malek's positive impact extends outside of work; his wonderful personality is evident, as he genuinely cares for those around him. I'm truly grateful to have such an outstanding colleague during my tenure at GCREC”.

Interviewer: Laura Mayorga