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CAST Commentary
Order Form. An order form is available in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
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The Endangered Species Act: Interfacing with Agricultural and Natural Ecosystems
CAST Commentary
This Commentary explores the interaction between the regulatory policy of the Endangered Species Act, public perception, and science in relation to the interpretation of risk to endangered species from various "stressors" associated with agricultural practices. In the absence of definitive government policy, courts are establishing risk mitigation procedures that may adversely affect agricultural productivity and practices. The authors address several potential remedies, including (1) better communication, (2) clear policy and agency coordination, (3) recognition and consideration of long-term impacts, and (4) balanced and consistent implementation. Chair: Bernalyn McGaughey, Compliance Services International, Lakewood, Washington. QTA2009-2, 8 pp., October 2009. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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News Release
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Convergence of Agriculture and Energy: III. Considerations in Biodiesel Production
CAST Commentary
Concern about rising prices and unstable sources of petroleum fuels is driving the search for U.S. domestically produced, renewable transportation fuels, such as biodiesel, which is developing into a widely accepted alternative fuel. The U.S. biodiesel industry is struggling because of high prices for its feedstocks, vegetable oils, and animal fats. High feedstock prices also are affecting international biodiesel production, but requirements to lower greenhouse gas emissions continue to stimulate interest in the fuel. The authors of this new CAST Commentary explain the biodiesel production process and discuss quality requirements, characteristics of biodiesel, biodiesel economics, and energy balance. Chair: Jon Van Gerpen, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Idaho, Moscow. QTA2008-2, 8 pp., October 2008. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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News Release
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Pasteurellosis Transmission Risks between Domestic and Wild Sheep
CAST Commentary
Native North American wild sheep species are very susceptible to pneumonia and particularly to pasteurellosis. Although the current understanding about pasteurellosis in wild and domestic sheep is incomplete, respiratory disease clearly is a serious problem in both. This Commentary discusses pneumonic pasteurellosis in domestic sheep, pasteurellosis in wild sheep, and the risks to wild sheep associated with domestic sheep interactions. The authors also address research needs and strategies for minimizing the risk of interspecies disease transmission. Chair: Dr. Michael W. Miller, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins. QTA2008-1, 8 pp., August 2008. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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News Release
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Biofuel Feedstocks: The Risk of Future Invasions
CAST Commentary
In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand domestic energy production, and maintain economic growth, public and private investments are being used to pursue dedicatd feedstock crops for biofuel production. This Commentary addresses the necessary balance between designing biofuel feedstock crops to require minimal inputs yet preventing them from surviving outside the cultivated environment. Chair: Dr. Joseph DiTomaso, University of California-Davis. QTA2007-1, 8 pp., November 2007. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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News Release
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Avian Influenza Vaccination: A Commentary Focusing on H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza
CAST Commentary
The correct use of efficacious poultry vaccines is a critical component of overall control and eradication of avian influenza. Speculation about potential problems of vaccine use must be balanced with the real problem of outbreaks in susceptible poultry. Commentary text is excerpted from the larger Special Publication. Chair: Dr. Karen Burns Grogan, Chicken Scratch, LLC, Dacula, Georgia. QTA2007-3, 12 pp., October 2007. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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Convergence of Agriculture and Energy: II. Producing Cellulosic Biomass for Biofuels
CAST Commentary
This new Commentary provides a scientific assessment of the production potential and regional impacts of large-scale cellulosic ethanol production. It discusses the need for national investments and policy changes to address challenges limiting the production and efficient use of cellulosic biomass as a fuel feedstock to meet U.S. needs. Chair: Dr. Steven L. Fales, Iowa State University, Ames. QTA2007-2, 8 pp., October 2007. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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News Release
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Convergence of Agriculture and Energy: I. Implications for Research and Policy
CAST Commentary
Recent dramatic increases in energy costs are having a direct bearing on all agricultural activities within the United States. This Commentary discusses the use of energy in agriculture and the food industry in light of current federal and state policies. Energy production from bio-sources also is addressed. Chair: Kenneth Cassman, University of Nebraska. QTA2006-3, 12 pp., November 2006. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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Avian Influenza: Trade Issues
CAST Commentary
Although much of the concern about a possible pandemic outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza revolves around human health outcomes, the potential repercussions on trade issues will also be significant. The United States is a major exporter of poultry products amounting to approximately $2 billion worth of broilers, turkeys, and eggs annually. International reporting of an avian influenza outbreak could have the effect of virtually stopping this trade--and that in other countries as well--overnight. Chair: Toby Moore, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, Stone Mountain, Georgia. QTA2006-2, 8 pp., April 2006. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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News Release
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Avian Influenza: Human Pandemic Concerns
CAST Commentary
The reported number of bird deaths and subsequent human deaths resulting from exposure to influenza A-infected birds has increased steadily, making front-page news worldwide. Although human viruses do not generally infect birds and bird viruses do not generally infect humans, certain influenza A viruses have historically exhibited an unusual ability to mutate and infect more than one host species. Drawing from sound past and current research, the authors provide an assessment of the real threat of an upcoming avian influenza outbreak and possible pandemic. Co-authors: Donna Carver, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, and Elizabeth Krushinskie, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, Tucker, Georgia. QTA2006-1, 7 pp., January 2006. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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News Release
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Crop Biotechnology and the Future of Food: A Scientific Assessment
CAST Commentary
This CAST Commentary provides an up-to-date evaluation of the use of biotechnology in crop production. The concise, fact-based document addresses the science behind the issues. Chair: Bruce Chassy, University of Illinois, Urbana. QTA2005-2, 6 pp., October 2005. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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News Release
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La biotecnologia de los cultivos y el futuro de los alimentos: una contribucion cientifica
CAST Commentary
This CAST Commentary provides an up-to-date evaluation of the use of biotechnology in crop production. The concise, fact-based document addresses the science behind the issues. Chair: Bruce Chassy, University of Illinois, Urbana. QTA2005-2, 6 pp., October 2005. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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Adventitious Presence: Inadvertent Commingling and Coexistence among Farming Methods
CAST Commentary
Adventitious presence refers to the unintended commingling of trace amounts of one type of seed, or product, with another. Although this process can occur with conventionally bred crops, adventitious presence is more commonly regarded as the presence of genetically engineered (GE) seed and product in non-GE material. This document will provide a framework to discuss development of a science-based policy for adventitious presence. Co-authors: Drew Kershen, University of Oklahoma College of Law, and Alan McHughen, University of California, Riverside. QTA2005-1, 4 pp., July 2005. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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Presencia adventicia: mezcla inadvertida y coexistencia entre metodos de cultivo
CAST Commentary
Adventitious presence refers to the unintended commingling of trace amounts of one type of seed, or product, with another. Although this process can occur with conventionally bred crops, adventitious presence is more commonly regarded as the presence of genetically engineered (GE) seed and product in non-GE material. This document will provide a framework to discuss development of a science-based policy for adventitious presence. Co-authors: Drew Kershen, University of Oklahoma College of Law, and Alan McHughen, University of California, Riverside. QTA2005-1, 4 pp., July 2005. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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Food Safety and Fresh Produce
CAST Commentary
In response to heightened concern about the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables following recent outbreaks of food-related illness, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is releasing a commentary on the subject. The article briefly describes steps the fresh-produce processing industry is taking to decrease microbial contamination on products, and lists actions consumers can take to enhance the safety of fresh produce they eat at home. QTA2003-1, 2 pp., December 2003. AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.
Task Force
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