Council for Agricultural Science and Technology honors Dr. David L. Ortega
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is proud to announce David L. Ortega, Professor and Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics and Policy at Michigan State University, because the recipient of the 2025 Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA). (Courtesy Photo)
AMES, Iowa — The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is proud to announce David L. Ortega, Professor and Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics and Policy at Michigan State University, because the recipient of the 2025 Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA).
Ortega is internationally acknowledged for his analysis and communication in meals economics, shopper conduct, and agricultural coverage. He has authored greater than 80 peer-reviewed articles, cited almost 4,000 instances, and has supplied knowledgeable testimony to the U.S. Senate, House Agriculture Committees, and the U.S.–China Economic Security Review Commission. With over 400 media appearances in retailers corresponding to The New York Times, NPR, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, ABC News, and PBS NewsHour, he is a trusted voice translating complicated agricultural and financial points into accessible insights.
CAST CEO Chris Boomsma emphasised the importance 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, Ortega stated: “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 affect of Ortega’s work extends throughout academia, coverage, and the general public sphere. Jill J. McCluskey, President Elect of the International Association of Agricultural Economists, who nominated Ortega for the award, famous: “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 yr’s Borlaug CAST Communication Award ceremony will mark a brand new chapter, the award shall be offered on December 2, 2025, at Madison Hall within 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 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 deliver collectively leaders from science, coverage, and business to rejoice Ortega’s contributions. Additional program particulars shall be shared quickly.
About the BCCA
The Borlaug CAST Communication Award, offered yearly by CAST, acknowledges professionals who excel in speaking the significance of meals and agricultural science to policymakers, the media, the scientific neighborhood, educators, college students, business leaders, and most of the people.
About CAST
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is a nonprofit that assembles, interprets, and communicates science-based info regionally, nationally, and internationally. Learn extra at cast-science.org.
— Council for Agricultural Science and Technology