Alan Christian became Acting Administrator of the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration on January 20, 2012.

Alan Christian is the Deputy Administrator of the Packers and Stockyards Program, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. In this position, Mr. Christian is responsible for programs that ensure fair and competitive marketing for the livestock, meat, and poultry industries for the benefit of American Agriculture.

Programs under the direction of the Deputy Administrator include fostering fair and open competition, and guarding against deceptive and fraudulent practices affecting the movement and price of meat animals and their products. The Packers and Stockyards Program also protects consumers and members of the livestock, meat, and poultry industries from unfair business practices, which can unduly affect meat and poultry distribution and prices.

Before joining GIPSA in May 2006, Mr. Christian spent 6 years as the Director of Investigative and Enforcement Services (IES) in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to animal and plant health, and import and export of agricultural commodities and biotechnology. Before becoming director, Mr. Christian held the positions of Deputy Director and Regional Director in IES. He began his career with APHIS, Veterinary Services as an Animal Health Technician under the Brucellosis Eradication Program.

Mr. Christian earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida and a Master's degree from Worcester State College in the biological sciences.

#