Professor and Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics and Policy · Michigan State University
Dr. David Ortega is Professor and Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics and Policy in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University. Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, he moved to the United States at age 10. He earned his B.S. in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, completing his doctorate in December 2012. He joined the MSU faculty in January 2013.
Dr. Ortega’s research advances the economics of decision-making in agri-food systems, generating insights that help producers, consumers, and policymakers navigate global uncertainty and market disruptions. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, cited close to 4,000 times (h-index: 32), with influential work spanning consumer behavior, food misinformation, pricing dynamics, agricultural trade policy, and supply chain resilience. His research has shaped understanding of U.S.–China agricultural trade relations, foreign land ownership in U.S. agriculture, and the economics of emerging food technologies.
A firm believer that stakeholders make better decisions when they understand the science behind the food system, Dr. Ortega has become one of the most visible agricultural economists in the United States. He has appeared in over 400 media segments — across the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, NPR, PBS NewsHour, ABC News, BBC, CNN, Reuters, and Washington Post — offering accessible, data-driven economic commentary on grocery prices, inflation, tariffs, and the food supply chain.
"I accept this award not as a personal achievement, but as a reminder, to myself and to everyone in this room, that the work of explaining the economics of our food system is never finished."
In addition to his media work, Dr. Ortega has testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. He has advised Senator Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Canadian government, and the Consumer Federation of America. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Council on Food, Agricultural, & Resource Economics and is Associate Editor for three agricultural economics journals.
On March 3, 2026, CAST presented the 2025 Borlaug CAST Communication Award to Dr. David Ortega at an evening ceremony in Madison Hall at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The event brought together agricultural scientists, policymakers, economists, and communications professionals to honor Dr. Ortega’s exceptional contributions to science communication in food and agriculture.
CAST CEO Chris Boomsma opened the program by framing the award’s mission in Dr. Ortega’s work: the ability to translate rigorous economic research into insights that inform real decisions — by policymakers, farmers, consumers, and journalists alike. Julie Borlaug, President of the Borlaug Foundation, also offered opening remarks, connecting Dr. Ortega’s public engagement to the enduring legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug.
Dr. Ortega delivered a 40-minute keynote address, drawing on his research on food price inflation, agricultural trade policy, and the evolving U.S.–China agricultural relationship. His remarks ranged from the granular — the economics of grocery store pricing — to the systemic, exploring how communication gaps between scientists and the public create policy blind spots at critical moments.
The bronze Borlaug CAST Communication Award sculpture was formally presented following the keynote, after which CAST recognized the 2025 Science Communication Scholarship recipient.
"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."
"He publicly offers timely and data-driven economic insights during major disruptions — such as the pandemic and tariff escalation — shaping national policy discourse."
The 2025 CAST Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony was made possible through the generous support of:
Supporting the next generation of agricultural science communicators at the student level.
CAST’s premier annual honor — recognizing mid-career professionals bridging science and society.
CAST’s honor — for sustained, career-long impact at the national or international level.
