David L. Ortega

Dr. David L. Ortega is a Professor and the Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics & Policy at Michigan State University (MSU), leading research in consumer and producer decision-making within food systems. He holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and has been affiliated with MSU since 2013. His work bridges academic research with policy impact, focusing on global food markets, agricultural trade dynamics, and consumer behavior in emerging economies.

• Affiliations: Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE), College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (CANR)
• Roles: Director of MSU's Food Security Group, Lead of Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy

Ortega's research spans food safety regulation, trade policy, and behavioral economics. He has conducted fieldwork in China, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, analyzing market responses to policy changes and consumer preferences. His experimental methods examine how information affects choices in food labeling, environmental stewardship, and animal welfare.

He has testified before the U.S. Congress on China's agricultural policies and appears frequently in major media. His 35+ journal articles include studies on U.S.-China trade relations, consumer preferences for meat alternatives, and risk management in agricultural supply chains.

• Key Awards: SAEA Emerging Scholar Award (2018)

Ortega advises students on food policy and agribusiness strategies, collaborating with organizations like the World Bank and FAO. His lab focuses on improving nutritional outcomes through market-based interventions and fostering sustainable agricultural development.