Become a member of CAST

Join the scientists, students, educators, and organizations who turn research on food, water, soil, and the environment into information people can use.

Student Explorer

Full-time students at accredited colleges and universities

$39 per year

Free at CAST member institutions

  • Publications, Insights, and Voices
  • CAST U Bulletin, with opportunities and student spotlights
  • Eligibility for $1,000 Science Communication Scholarships
  • CAST Academy learning tracks
  • Discounted Annual Meeting registration
Join as a student

Science Builder

Professionals, educators, researchers, and communicators

$149 per year

Billed annually

  • Early notice of new Publications and Insights
  • Write for CAST Voices
  • Take part in CAST Labs
  • Free webinars with live Q&A
  • Academy tracks with certificates
Join as a Science Builder

Lifetime Builder

Long-term supporters of agricultural science communication

$2,499 once

Or $500 a year for five years

  • Everything in Science Builder
  • Complimentary Annual Meeting and webinar registration
  • Priority invitations to the Summit Series
  • Permanent recognition in CAST Pulse and CAST media
  • Academy mentorship opportunities
Become a Lifetime Builder
+Compare every benefit
Benefit Student Explorer Science Builder Lifetime Builder
Publications and InsightsAccessAccess, plus early release noticeAccess, plus early release notice
CAST VoicesReadContribute essaysReflections, essays, or interviews
WebinarsFree sessions and Ask the Expert videosFree registration with Q&AComplimentary, with featured guest eligibility
CAST LabsStudent-focused LabsParticipantParticipant
Summit SeriesNot includedObserver, by invitationPriority invitation and participation
Annual MeetingDiscounted registrationDiscounted, with presenting recognitionComplimentary, with featured guest opportunities
CAST AcademyLearning tracksLearning tracks with certificatesPriority access and mentorship
RecognitionNot includedQuarterly mention in Pulse or Connections when contributing; certificate of participationPermanent recognition in Pulse and CAST media, with an annual legacy feature; lifetime certificate
AwardsScholarship eligibilityNot includedEligible to present or sponsor an award
Student newsletterCAST U BulletinNot includedNot included

Your membership starts as soon as payment goes through. Already a member? Log in

What your membership supports

See all programs

Inform

Creating and sharing knowledge

Publications
Peer-reviewed papers and explainers
Insights
Monthly policy briefs
Pulse
Weekly newsletter, podcast, and video
Connections
Monthly public newsletter
Voices
Essays by members and partners
U Bulletin
Student newsletter
Labs
Sprints testing new formats
Studio
Video and audio
Academy
Self-paced courses

Convene

Bringing the community together

Webinars and Meet the Expert
Live sessions with CAST experts
Summit Series
Quarterly hybrid convenings
Annual Meeting
With the Student Innovation Conference
Awards
Borlaug, Lifetime Achievement, and scholarships

Guide

Shaping direction

Hill Sessions
Briefings for federal policymakers
Strategic Briefs
Publications turned into policy guidance
Work Groups
Experts who propose topics and peer review
Strategic Advisory Council
Cross-sector body setting priorities

Questions

When does membership start?+

Individual memberships start as soon as payment goes through. Organizational partnerships start when the agreement is signed.

Can I change my plan later?+

Yes. Email membership@cast-science.org to upgrade.

What happens when my membership expires?+

You'll get renewal notices 60 days ahead, and your benefits continue through the expiration date.

Can an organization have several contacts?+

Yes. Partners can name several people to receive communications and use member benefits.

How is organizational pricing set?+

By your organization's size, budget, or enrollment. Request a quote and the membership team will follow up.

Talk to the membership team

Questions about joining

Help choosing a plan, upgrading, renewing, or getting into the member portal.

membership@cast-science.org

Partnership quote

Tell us about your organization and we'll send a quote for the level that fits.

Request a quote

As a member, you’re not just joining an organization—you’re joining a network of experts addressing the issues that matter most: food security, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, soil health, and environmental stewardship.

Why Join CAST?

CAST membership gives you access to the premier network for agricultural science communication. Whether you’re building your career, advancing your organization’s mission, or contributing your expertise, CAST provides the resources, connections, and platforms you need to make an impact. From peer-reviewed publications to direct engagement with federal policymakers, members participate in programs that matter.

CAST brings together diverse voices in agricultural science:

  • Individuals

    Students and early-career professionals building science communication skills. Researchers, educators, and communicators working across food and agriculture. Experienced leaders investing in the next generation.

  • Organizations
    Professional and academic societies representing agricultural science disciplines. Universities and colleges advancing agricultural research and education. Nonprofit organizations working on food systems and sustainability. Companies and industry partners invested in science-based solutions.
Have Questions?

For more information on any of our membership packages, contact our membership department!

What You Get as a Member

CAST membership gives you access to a comprehensive portfolio of programs organized around three strategic pillars. Whether you’re seeking expert knowledge, community connection, or opportunities to influence direction, CAST has programs that support your goals.

INFORM

Create and Share Knowledge

CAST Publications
CAST Newsletters
CONVENE

Engage and Build Community

GUIDE

Shape Direction

Strategic Advisory Council — is a cross-sector body identifying strategic priorities (Influence Partners)

Individual Membership

Choose the membership tier that fits your career stage and goals.

STUDENT EXPLORER

For full-time students at accredited colleges and universities
$ 39* Year
  • * Free for students at CAST member institutions
  • Access to CAST Publications, Insights, and Voices
  • CAST U Bulletin with opportunities and student spotlights
  • Participation in student-focused Labs
  • Free webinar sessions and Ask the Expert videos
  • Discounted registration for Annual Meeting & Student Innovation Conference
  • Eligibility for CAST Science Communication Scholarships ($1,000 awards)
  • Access to CAST Academy learning tracks

SCIENCE BUILDER

Professionals, educators, researchers, and communicators working in agricultural science
$ 149 Year
  • Full access to all CAST programs and content
  • Early notification of Publications and Insights releases
  • Opportunity to contribute to CAST Voices essays
  • Participation in CAST Labs (no lead role)
  • Free webinar registration with Q&A participation
  • Observer access to Summit Series (by invitation)
  • Discounted Annual Meeting registration with presenting recognition
  • Quarterly recognition in CAST Pulse or Connections when contributing
  • Certificate of participation in CAST programs
  • Access to CAST Academy learning tracks with certificates

LIFETIME BUILDER

Long-term supporters investing in agricultural science communication
$ 2,499* Total
  • *Or $500/year for 5 years
  • Permanent recognition and feature opportunities in CAST Pulse
  • Opportunity for reflections, essays, or interviews in CAST Voices
  • Complimentary webinar registration with featured guest eligibility
  • Priority invitation and participation in Summit Series
  • Complimentary Annual Meeting registration with featured guest opportunities
  • Eligibility to serve as Award presenter or sponsor
  • Permanent listing in CAST media with annual legacy feature
  • Certificate of lifetime membership contribution
  • Priority access to CAST Academy with mentorship opportunities

Organizational Membership

Partner with CAST to advance agricultural science communication and connect with the national network.

CAST offers membership in four categories:

Society Partners​

Professional and academic societies

Education Partners​

Universities, colleges, and libraries

Nonprofit Partners

Nonprofits, foundations, and trade groups

Corporate Partners

Companies, cooperatives, and industry consortia

Each category has three tiers:

COLLABORATOR PARTNER

Entry-level access and visibility.
  • Access to CAST Pulse, Voices, and Insights
  • Listed on CAST website
  • Eligibility for public events and Labs (observe/participate by invitation)
  • Early access to CAST publications and project
  • Collaborative project opportunities
  • Access to CAST Academy learning tracks

BUILDER PARTNER

Active collaboration and content contribution.
  • All Collaborator Partner benefits, plus:
  • Work Group participation (Animal Science, Food Science, or Plant Science)
  • Co-lead Labs and projects
  • Enhanced recognition in CAST media (Connections and Pulse)
  • Organization spotlight eligibility in CAST Voices
  • Participation in Annual Meeting and Summit Series
  • Participate as speaker or panelist at webinars
  • Sponsor eligibility for events and awards
  • Priority distribution of briefings and reports

INFLUENCE PARTNER

Strategic collaboration and agenda input.
  • All Builder Partner benefits, plus:
  • Priority invitation to CAST Hill Sessions — Quarterly briefings with federal policymakers in DC
  • Priority media visibility with strategic feature and quote placement
  • Institutional feature stories in CAST Voices
  • Executive briefings and dashboard mentions
  • Host or underwrite Labs
  • Co-host or sponsor webinars
  • Strategic participant with input role at Summit Series
  • Event host or plenary role at Annual Meeting
  • Priority sponsor and co-present eligibility for Awards
  • Strategic recognition across all CAST channels
FAQ

Individual memberships begin immediately upon payment. Organizational memberships begin upon executed agreement.

Yes. Contact membership@cast-science.org to discuss upgrading your membership level.

You’ll receive renewal notices 60 days before expiration. Access to member benefits continues through your expiration date.

Log in to your member portal at HERE with your credentials.

Yes. Organizational members can designate multiple contacts to receive communications and access member benefits.

Collaborator Partners receive access to CAST programs and visibility on the CAST website. Builder Partners add governance participation through one of CAST’s three Work Groups (Animal Science, Food Science, or Plant Science), plus enhanced collaboration opportunities like co-leading Labs and speaking at webinars. Influence Partners receive strategic advisory roles including Strategic Advisory Council eligibility and priority invitations to CAST Hill Sessions in Washington, D.C., plus premium visibility and executive briefings.

Pricing is based on organization size, budget, or enrollment to ensure fair contribution levels. Contact us for a customized quote.