Ames, Iowa — September 9, 2025 — The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is proud to announce 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. He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed articles, cited nearly 4,000 times, and has provided expert testimony to the U.S. Senate, House Agriculture Committees, and the U.S.–China Economic Security Review Commission. With over 400 media appearances in outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, ABC News, and PBS NewsHour, he is a trusted voice translating complex agricultural and economic issues into accessible insights.
CAST CEO Dr. Chris Boomsmamphasized the significance of this recognition: “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. That is precisely the kind of leadership agricultural science needs today.”
In reflecting on the award, Dr. Ortega said: “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.”
The impact of Ortega’s work extends across academia, policy, and the public sphere. Dr. Jill J. McCluskey, President Elect of the International Association of Agricultural Economists, who nominated Ortega for the award, noted: “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.”
This year’s Borlaug CAST Communication Award ceremony will mark a new chapter, the award will be presented on December 2, 2025, at Madison Hall in the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. As Boomsma added: “Hosting the ceremony in Washington, D.C. underscores CAST’s mission to bring science directly into the agricultural policy arena. Honoring Dr. Ortega at the Library of Congress reflects not only his impacts on American and global agriculture but also CAST’s focus on informing policy through the communication of science.”
The ceremony will bring together leaders from science, policy, and industry to celebrate Dr. Ortega’s contributions. Additional program details will be shared soon.
About the BCCA
The Borlaug CAST Communication Award, presented annually by CAST, recognizes professionals who excel in communicating the importance of food and agricultural science to policymakers, the media, the scientific community, educators, students, industry leaders, and the general public.
About CAST
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is a nonprofit that assembles, interprets, and communicates science-based information regionally, nationally, and internationally. Learn more at cast-science.org.
Media Contact:
Carlos Back Vianna
Director of Marketing & Communications
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)
cvianna@cast-science.org | +1 (515) 509-7790
