Dr. David Hahn is a Professor Emeritus of Agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics at The Ohio State University. Dr. Hahn has been significantly involved in the OCDC since its inception in 2000. He brings continuity and outstanding experience to the OCDC.
His primary teaching and research interests are in agricultural cooperatives, including their role as an alternative business structure in the production, processing and distribution of food and fiber products, and in rural development projects.
Current projects include a study of farmer attitudes toward cooperative ownership, identification of key factors for the formation and success of emerging agricultural cooperatives, and alternative methods for financing cooperatives. Recent work has focused on new cooperative marketing arrangements for niche crops emerging from genetic modification.
Dr Hahn and his colleagues are also involved in projects using cooperatives for rural economic development and health service improvement. Dr. Hahn teaches courses in agricultural cooperatives and strategic agribusiness management. He currently is developing educational materials for training boards of directors, managers, employees and members of agricultural cooperatives.
Dr. Dave Hahn received the Extension Award of Merit for his work with OCDC and dedication to providing cooperative development services throughout Ohio.