Ames, Iowa — January 29, 2026 — The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) announced today that the 2025 Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA) ceremony honoring David L. Ortega will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. EST, at Madison Hall at the Library of Congress.
In addition to honoring Dr. Ortega, the ceremony will also feature the presentation of the CAST Science Communication Scholarship, a $1,000 annual award recognizing an outstanding student communicator in agricultural science. CAST will sponsor travel for the student scholarship recipient to attend the ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Ortega, Professor and Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics and Policy at Michigan State University, was selected for the BCCA in recognition of his exceptional leadership in communicating complex food, agriculture, and economic issues to policymakers, the media, and the public. His work spans academia, public policy, and public engagement, with more than 400 media appearances and extensive testimony before U.S. congressional committees.
The ceremony was originally scheduled for December 2025 but was postponed due to the federal government shutdown. CAST is pleased to confirm the new March date and looks forward to convening leaders from science, policy, academia, and industry for this invitation-only event.
“Dr. Ortega’s work exemplifies the impact that clear, credible science communication can have on public understanding and policy,” said Dr. Christopher Boomsma, Chief Executive Officer of CAST. “By also recognizing an emerging science communicator through our student scholarship, this event highlights CAST’s commitment to both leadership today and the next generation shaping the future of agriculture.”
The CAST Science Communication Scholarship recognizes undergraduate or graduate students who demonstrate excellence in translating complex agricultural topics into messages that are clear, accurate, creative, and impactful. Applications are reviewed by representatives from CAST’s Animal, Plant, and Food Work Groups.
The March 3 ceremony will celebrate both established and emerging leaders in agricultural science communication.
