Tom Arnold (economist)

Tom Arnold is an Irish economist specializing in food security, agricultural policy, and rural development. He is known for his extensive work with international organizations and Irish governmental bodies on issues related to sustainable food systems and agricultural sustainability.

Arnold served as the Director General of the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), a leading think tank in Ireland, from 2013 to 2019. Prior to that, he held the position of Chief Executive of Concern Worldwide, an international humanitarian organization dedicated to reducing suffering and eliminating extreme poverty, for over a decade.

His career has also involved significant roles in Irish agricultural policy. He served as Chief Economist and Assistant Secretary General at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Ireland. He has also chaired numerous government committees and working groups focusing on agricultural policy reform and rural development strategies.

Arnold's expertise is frequently sought by international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union. He has served on various high-level panels and advisory groups focused on global food security and agricultural sustainability, contributing to policy recommendations and strategies aimed at addressing these complex challenges. He is a strong advocate for integrating environmental sustainability into agricultural practices and promoting policies that support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.