What We Do

CAST convenes expert networks to produce peer-reviewed publications on agricultural science, then translates that research into formats policymakers, educators, journalists, and the public can use. The work is carried out by volunteer scientists, economists, legal experts, and communicators from across disciplines.

Issue Paper · Recorded Webinar
Understanding Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms

CAST’s new issue paper is now available — what drives cyanoHABs, how toxins reach water, crops and livestock, and which management strategies work. Recording of the Nov. 12 release webinar with authors Laughinghouse, Pokrzywinski, Raymond and Bishop also available.

Read the Paper & Watch Recording →
Dialogue Series · 4 Episodes Now Available
The Future of American Agriculture

Session 4 recording is now available — Trust and Leadership, with Jack Bobo and Julie Borlaug. All four sessions explore the opportunities and capabilities shaping the future of American agriculture. Free and open to all.

Watch Session 4 → Register for Session 5 → View All Sessions →
Award · 2026 President’s Award
CAST Honors David Baltensperger and Ray Starling With 2026 President’s Award

Texas A&M professor David Baltensperger and NC Chamber’s Ray Starling recognized for outstanding service and leadership in advancing CAST’s mission. Presented at the 2026 CAST Annual Meeting in St. Louis.

Read the Announcement →

Publication Spotlight

ISSUE PAPER

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms are becoming more frequent and intense in many regions, threatening drinking water, irrigation, livestock watering and aquaculture, and some produce toxins that can harm people and animals. This paper explains what drives blooms, how their toxins reach farms and food, and how long-term nutrient reduction and site-specific treatment can manage them.

CAST National Listening Tour

Share Your Perspective on the Future of American Food and Agriculture

Can't attend a listening session? Add your voice online. CAST wants to hear from the people conducting research, producing food, educating future leaders, building technologies, investing in innovation, shaping policy, and putting science into practice. Every question is optional.

What we want to hear from you

  1. What is changing that agriculture needs to prepare for?
  2. Where are the most important scientific, technological, workforce, or institutional gaps?
  3. What prevents good ideas and discoveries from achieving greater impact?
  4. Where could CAST make a distinctive contribution?

Latest Resources

A new CAST paper explains what drives cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, how their toxins reach water, crops, livestock and fish, and which management strategies work. Read the paper and watch...
Can’t attend a listening session? Anyone working in food and agriculture can now contribute through a short online form....
For decades, eggs were cast as a threat to heart health. Elycia VanVacter traces how research, health professionals, and industry outreach rebuilt the egg’s reputation, and how per capita consumption...
Dr. Jo Handelsman will deliver the 17th AAAS Charles Valentine Riley Memorial Lecture on Nov. 19 in Washington, DC, and online. CAST CEO Chris Boomsma joins the Policy Roundtable earlier...
On episode 459 of the AgriNovus Indiana Agbioscience Podcast, CAST CEO Chris Boomsma talks about peer review, public trust and what it takes to produce agricultural science that farmers, researchers,...
AI is already embedded in American agriculture. Whether it pays off will depend on something no algorithm can supply on its own: the trust of the farmers who use it....

Recognition Across Every Career Stage

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CAST Facts

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With over 1,000 active members, including students, academics, professionals, and organizations from around the globe, CAST is a vibrant and diverse community dedicated to advancing science in agriculture, food, and natural resources.

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Over the years, CAST has engaged thousands of dedicated volunteers in producing more than 500 publications. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in delivering trusted, science-based information to inform and impact the world of agriculture and beyond.

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We deeply value our volunteers, whose dedication and hard work are crucial to advancing agricultural research. Their enthusiasm and commitment drive innovation and make a real difference towards our mission.

CAST Volunteers

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