About CAST

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology

Our Mission

CAST convenes and coordinates networks of experts to assemble, interpret, and communicate credible, unbiased, science-based information to policymakers, the media, the private sector, and the public.

CAST was established in 1972 as a result of a 1970 meeting sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council. We are a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization with a membership composed of scientific and professional societies, universities, companies, nonprofits, libraries, and individuals. CAST’s Board is composed of representatives of the scientific societies, commercial companies, nonprofit or trade organizations, universities, and a Board of Directors.

The wide distribution of CAST publications to non scientists enhances the education and understanding of the public. At a time when the internet has made it more difficult to separate accurate and inaccurate information, it has never been more critical for reputable sources to deliver trusted, non-partisan information from authorities in their respective fields.

Our primary work is the publication of task force reports, commentaries, special publications, and issue papers written by volunteer experts—economists, legal experts and scientists from many disciplines. These documents cover issues related to:

We rely greatly on the support of our members, whose generosity helps fund the studies and publications that educate the public on important issues, and impact public policy.

Learn more about CAST membership

Vision Statement

A world where decision making related to agriculture, food, and natural resources is based on credible information developed through reason, science, and consensus building.

CAST History

“Remembering Our Past ~ Ensuring Our Future” is the theme for the 40th Anniversary of CAST in 2012.  We are a unique organization with a very important mission.  Today, we continue to strive to assemble, interpret, and communicate credible science-based information as CAST has done continuously since 1972.

Click on the links below to view our 40th anniversary publication, CAST Paper No. 1, Agricultural Science and the Public, written by Norman E. Borlaug, and a CAST article honoring Dr. Borlaug, The Man Who Fed the World, at the time of his death in 2009. We hope you enjoy these documents of CAST history, and we welcome your ideas to strengthen our future.

Agricultural Science and the Public – written by Dr. Norman Borlaug

CAST Honors the “Man Who Fed the World,” Longstanding Advocate for CAST – a tribute to Dr. Borlaug

Help Support CAST

Your donation to CAST helps support the CAST mission of communicating science to meet the challenge of producing enough food, fiber and fuel for a growing population. Every gift, no matter the size, is appreciated.