Honoring Dr. David Ortega for His Excellence in Agricultural Science Communication
CAST proudly announces Dr. David L. Ortega, Professor and Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics and Policy at Michigan State University, as the recipient of the 2025 Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA).
Dr. Ortega is internationally recognized for his research and communication in food economics, consumer behavior, and agricultural policy. With more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, nearly 4,000 citations, and over 400 media appearances in outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, Wall Street Journal, and PBS NewsHour, he has become a trusted voice helping audiences understand the forces shaping food systems.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Borlaug CAST Communication Award. The Borlaug name means a great deal to me. I still remember learning about Norman Borlaug and the Green Revolution as a child, and to be associated with that legacy is truly humbling.”
Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Dr. Ortega moved to the United States at age ten and has dedicated his career to understanding and explaining the economics of food systems. He earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and today serves as a professor at Michigan State University, where he leads research, teaching, and outreach as part of the land-grant mission.
Dr. Ortega’s research focuses on consumer behavior, food prices, agricultural trade, and supply chain dynamics. He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, cited nearly 4,000 times, and secured over $9 million in competitive research funding. His work has informed decision-making at the highest levels, including testimony before the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees, the U.S.–China Economic Security Review Commission, and state legislatures.
He has also built long-standing research collaborations across the globe, from Asia to Latin America, and remains committed to making his insights accessible to diverse audiences. With more than 400 appearances in outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, ABC News, and PBS NewsHour, Dr. Ortega has become a trusted voice connecting agricultural science with real-world decisions.
CAST CEO Dr. Chris Boomsma noted: “Dr. Ortega exemplifies the very purpose of the Borlaug CAST Communication Award. His ability to clearly explain the economics of food systems helps policymakers, decision-makers, and the public make more informed decisions.”
Dr. Jill J. McCluskey, President Elect of the International Association of Agricultural Economists and Ortega’s nominator, added: “ David has made a difference through his public outreach surrounding food and agricultural issues. He is a skilled communicator on radio/podcast, online, and television with over 400 media appearances. Through interviews and public lectures, both with traditional agricultural audiences and groups outside our traditional stakeholder base, David advocates for science and elucidates how innovation and growth in agriculture are critical for improving our lot in life. He publicly offers timely and data-driven economic insights during major disruptions—such as the pandemic and tariff escalation—shaping national policy discourse.”
The Borlaug CAST Communication Award will be presented on December 2, 2025, at Madison Hall in the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. The event will convene leaders from science, policy, and industry to celebrate excellence in science communication.
Additional program details will be announced soon.
Date
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time
TBA
Location
Library of Congress – Madison Hall
101 Independence Ave SE
Washington, DC 20540
