The Latest Breaking News from David Ortega

US lettuce prices wilt as costs for other goods remain stubbornly high

Price for the crop dropped dramatically this summer after the cyclospora outbreak chopped demand for greens

The Guardian - US · Sep 11

US diesel prices hit a record high, pushing up transportation costs for a long list of goods

Diesel prices soared to unprecedented levels in the United States on Friday, primarily due to the six-month conflict involving Iran. This rise in costs is causing transportation fees for everyday goods and services to climb, with businesses now shifting these costs onto consumers via various surcharges. If diesel prices continue…

The Economic Times · Sep 4

US diesel prices hit a record high of $5.85 as Iran war disrupts the flow of fuel

US Iran war: Diesel fuel has reached an unprecedented average price of $5.85 per gallon. This surge is directly linked to the ongoing six-month conflict with Iran. Higher fuel expenses are increasing transportation costs for many essential everyday items. Consumers may soon witness escalating prices on store shelves and online…

The Economic Times · Sep 4

Americans Hit by Sharpest Grocery Price Rise in 4 Years — Tomatoes Jump 39%, Seafood Up 6%

US grocery prices jumped 0.7% in April, the steepest monthly rise since August 2022, with tomatoes up 39% and seafood 6.2% higher year-on-year.

International Business Times UK · May 14

More than two-thirds of U.S. schools say they’re unable to afford the cost of student free lunch—and MAHA’s dietary guidelines may make it worse

“These programs were already stretched thin before the guidelines changed,” food economist David Ortega said.

Fortune · Apr 29

Oil and fertilizer prices are climbing. Your grocery bill may follow

The spike in crude oil and fertilizer prices could raise food prices within the coming months.

Fortune · Mar 13

How the Iran war and surging oil prices are affecting consumers at the gas pump and beyond

As the price of crude oil surged, consumers were feeling the effects of the Iran war and its damage to worldwide energy production

The Independent UK · Mar 9

MAHA's dietary guidelines prioritizing red meat and dairy is the K-shaped economy in action, economist warns: ‘There’s certainly affordability issues’

“Healthy eating isn’t just a choice,” food economist David Ortega said. “There are real constraints.”

Fortune · Jan 22

Trump touts cheap groceries ahead of Thanksgiving. The reality is a mixed plate

President looks to Walmart’s promotion as proof he lowered cost of living. But holiday prices are volatile, economists say

The Guardian - US · Nov 24, 2025

Foreign investors in agriculture say U.S. tariffs could wipe them out—and they may test America in global court

One lawyer says tariffs on low-margin agricultural businesses can “effectively destroy the ability of that business to function.”

Fortune · Sep 11, 2025