CAST has introduced new guidelines for how generative AI tools may be used in the development and review of CAST publications. The policy reinforces CAST’s commitment to scientific integrity and transparency while recognizing the value—and limitations—of emerging AI technologies.

For authors, AI tools may be used only to support tasks such as improving clarity, grammar, organization, or early idea development. All AI use must be fully disclosed, including the tool name, model, version, and purpose. AI-generated figures, images, data, or undisclosed text are not permitted. Authors remain fully responsible for verifying all content.

Reviewers may use AI only to edit the clarity of their own comments and must not input manuscript content into any AI tool. AI cannot be used to analyze or summarize submissions. Disclosure is required when AI is used.

Read the AI policies below.

AI Use Policy for CAST Volunteer Authors

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) adopts the following policy regarding artificial intelligence (AI) usage in publication development:

As a leader in research and education regarding agriculture, science, and technology, CAST recognizes the potential that generative AI tools have to provide in the development of publications, research, and other forms of professional content for or by CAST. Therefore, this policy was developed with the intention of maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability for all individuals who work, volunteer, or are partnered with CAST.

Human Accountability

Generative AI tools do not qualify for authorship, as authorship implies responsibility for tasks that can only be performed by humans. Therefore, authors and developers are solely accountable for the work produced by AI and utilized in any form of content through CAST.

Mandatory Disclosure

If generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, CoPilot) are used in any part of work, it must be clearly acknowledged and disclosed. In a publication, it is required to disclose this in the “Methods” section or “Acknowledgements” section if the former is not an option. In this disclosure, the name, specific model, and version of the AI tool must be included.

Permitted and Prohibited Use of Generative AI

Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:

• Replacing human authorship or being listed as an author or co-author
• Submitting AI-generated content without disclosure
• Including unverified or not–fact-checked AI-generated data or references
• Generating figures, graphics, images, or cover art

Limited permitted uses:

• Assistance with organizing content or improving clarity, grammar, and readability
• Help incorporating or summarizing existing literature for background knowledge
• Generating or refining outlines, headings, or structural elements
• Supporting idea generation or exploration of research questions

All permitted uses require:

• Full author accountability
• Mandatory disclosure of AI use
  • Tool name, model, and version
• Independent verification and citation of all factual content

Fact-Checking

To prevent the dissemination of misinformation, all outputs that are utilized in CAST content must be thoroughly fact-checked, with sources included in the works cited.

Guidelines for Visuals and Graphics

CAST does not permit the use of AI tools for the development of visuals, graphics, or cover art — unless the subject of research at hand is directly related to AI software.

Policy Compliance

Failure to disclose the use of generative AI tools or the submission of unverified AI-generated data is considered a violation of CAST’s research integrity standards. This policy will be reviewed regularly to keep pace with the evolving capabilities of AI technology.

AI Use Policy for CAST Volunteer Reviewers

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) adopts the following policy governing AI use by reviewers.

As a leader in research and education regarding agriculture, science, and technology, CAST recognizes the potential that generative AI tools have to provide in the development of publications, research, and other forms of professional content for or by CAST. Therefore, this policy was developed with the intention of maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability for all individuals who work, volunteer, or are partnered with CAST.

Human Accountability

Peer review requires expert evaluation, interpretation, and judgement that cannot be delegated to generative AI tools. Reviewers are solely responsible and accountable for the content, opinions, and recommendations written in their reviews. Generative AI tools do not qualify as reviewers and may not assume any role that substitutes for human scientific assessment.

Mandatory Disclosure

If a reviewer uses a generative AI tool in any permitted capacity, this must be fully disclosed to CAST at the time the review is submitted. Disclosures should include:

• Name of AI tool
• Specific model and version used
• Brief description of how the tool was used

Permitted and Prohibited Use of Generative AI

Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:

• Analyzing or evaluating manuscripts
• Summarizing submitted work
• Assessing scientific validity, rigor, or novelty
• Drafting substantive review comments or recommendations

Limited permitted use:

• Generative AI tools may be used solely to improve the clarity, grammar, or readability of a reviewer’s own written feedback, provided that:
  • No manuscript content is entered into the AI system
  • The AI tool does not retain or use inputs for training purposes

Fact-Checking

Reviewers are fully responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of their reviews. Any content produced with the assistance of generative AI must be:

• Independently reviewed
• Thoroughly fact-checked
• Evaluated for bias or errors

Policy Compliance

Failure to disclose the use of generative AI tools or the submission of unverified AI-generated data is considered a violation of CAST’s review integrity standards. This policy will be reviewed regularly to keep pace with the evolving capabilities of AI technology.