David L. Ortega
Michigan State Professor/Food Economics Chair
Dr. David L. Ortega, a Professor and the Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics & Policy at Michigan State University, leads an integrated research, teaching, and outreach program focused on understanding the decision-making processes of consumers, producers, and agribusinesses to better inform food policies and marketing strategies.
Dr. Ortega has extensive research experience both domestically and internationally, including significant work in several emerging and developing countries across Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past 15 years, his work in China has centered on evaluating emerging markets for U.S. agricultural products and the economics of food quality.
Recognized for his expert analysis of the forces and events that impact and shape the agricultural and food sectors, Dr. Ortega has been called upon to deliver testimony before federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees.
His insights and economic analysis are also frequently featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, National Public Radio, The Washington Post, Financial Times, Newsweek, Detroit Free Press, ABC News, NBC News, PBS, USA Today, CNN, Forbes, and Politico. Dr. Ortega earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University.
Web Site:
East Lansing, MI
Video Sample
This expert has been featured on:
PBS NewsHour | NBC Nightly News | The New York Times | The Wall Street Journal | NPR | USA Today | CNN | PBS | Forbes | Politico | Newsweek
Suggested Interview Topics:
Consumer Food Prices | Consumer/Producer Decision Making | Food Marketing | Agricultural Development | U.S./China Relations With Respect to the Food & Agricultural Sector
Suggested Interview Questions:
- Food prices are still inflated from where they were prior to the Pandemic. Why is that?
- How much have food prices increased the past few years?
- How do our price increases compare to other countries'?
- Which types of foods have seen the biggest increases in the U.S.?
- What would need to be done to return food pricing to pre-pandemic levels?
- What are some of the biggest threats that could impact America's food supply in the future and potentially raise prices more?
- How do political/economic situations in other countries impact food pricing in America?
- How could climate change impact food pricing in America?
- Do you think more steps need to be taken to protect America's food supply?
- How much agricultural land is in the U.S. & what percentage is owned by foreign entities?
- Why do foreign entities buy American farmland?
- Does the U.S. government regular foreign ownership of farmland?
- Should we be concerned about China owning U.S. farmland?
- Does foreign land ownership threaten our food security in the U.S.?