Honoring individuals whose career-long contributions have advanced agricultural science, communication, and science-based leadership in food, agriculture, and the environment.
Supporting the next generation of agricultural science communicators.
A $1,000 annual scholarship recognizing an undergraduate or graduate student’s outstanding ability to translate complex agricultural topics into messages that are clear, accurate, creative, and impactful.
Established
2024
2026 Applications
Closed — July 31, 2026
Award Amount
$1,000 + travel support to ceremony
Eligibility
CAST student members or students at CAST member universities
Ceremony
Dec 10, 2026 · Library of Congress, D.C.
Honoring mid-career professionals making a difference in ag science communication.
CAST’s premier annual honor — presented since 2010 for outstanding achievement by a scientist, engineer, or other professional in agriculture, environment, or food who has advanced science in the public policy arena.
Established
2010 (formerly Charles A. Black Award, 1986–2009)
2026 Applications
Closed — May 31, 2026
Ceremony
Dec 10, 2026 · Library of Congress, D.C.
2025 Recipient
David Ortega, Michigan State University
CAST’s highest honor — for sustained, career-long impact at the national or international level.
Recognizing individuals whose sustained, career-long contributions have advanced agricultural science, communication, or science-based leadership at the national or international level.
Established
2026 Applications
Ceremony
2025 Recipient
Supporting the next generation of agricultural science communicators at the student level.
CAST’s premier annual honor — recognizing mid-career professionals bridging science and society.
CAST’s honor — for sustained, career-long impact at the national or international level.
A CAST honor — a bronze medallion by artist Jerry Palen — recognizing individuals who personally contributed to the advancement of CAST and furthered the cause of agriculture, science, and technology. Awarded at the discretion of the CAST President.
Last awarded: 2020 · Mark Armfelt, Dirk Drost, Mark Cochran
Recipients: 2007–2020 · 20+ total, including U.S. Senators, Congressmembers, and CAST leaders
Recognized members who contributed their time, talent, and personal contacts to benefit CAST in extraordinary ways — particularly those who worked to secure funding, attract new members, and support special projects beyond their formal volunteer roles.
Last awarded: 2019 · Ken Quinn, World Food Prize Foundation
Recipients: 2006–2019 · 8 total
