AMES, Iowa — The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is proud to announce that Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn, President Emeritus of the World Food Prize Foundation, will receive the inaugural CAST Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented on October 22, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. in Des Moines, Iowa, during the World Food Prize events.
The CAST Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who, through their career-long contributions, have advanced agricultural science, technology, and communication in ways that shaped the global future of food and agriculture.
Ambassador Quinn, whose nearly six decades of service span diplomacy, agricultural development, and international leadership, described the recognition as a “perfect capstone” to his career:
“Having escorted Dr. Norman Borlaug to a CAST event 25 years ago, I know first-hand the deep respect and admiration he had for the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. I therefore wish to convey my deepest appreciation to CAST CEO Chris Boomsma, Board President Brandon Neuschafer, and all members of the CAST Board of Directors for the incomparable honor they have accorded me in selecting me as the inaugural recipient of the CAST Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Quinn.
“From my very first Foreign Service assignment introducing IR8 ‘miracle rice’ in the Mekong Delta in 1968, to my leadership of the World Food Prize Foundation, agricultural science and technology have been the constant thread in my work. This award affirms the theme that has guided my life: peace through agricultural science and technology.”
Ambassador Terry Branstad, former U.S. Ambassador to China and longtime colleague of Quinn, praised the recognition:
“It doesn’t surprise me at all that Ken Quinn is receiving this award. Anyone who comes in contact with Ken knows that his passion for life, combined with his expertise in world affairs, brings him to the forefront of what this Award is all about. I have known Ken for over 50 years, not only through public service but as a close personal friend. He can change our world, one handshake, one smile, and one day at a time. My wife, Chris, and I applaud him for being the recipient of this great honor.”
CAST CEO Dr. Chris Boomsma emphasized how Quinn’s work embodies CAST’s mission:
“Ambassador Kenneth Quinn’s lifelong dedication to advancing global food security, agricultural science, and international collaboration embodies the very ideals of CAST’s mission. His visionary leadership with the World Food Prize and his tireless efforts to bring science and diplomacy together have left an enduring mark on agriculture and society. It is a profound honor for CAST to recognize him with the organization’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating not only his remarkable career but also the inspiration he provides to future generations of leaders.”
A New Era for CAST Awards
The Lifetime Achievement Award marks a new chapter in CAST’s recognition of excellence. Together with the Borlaug CAST Communication Award (honoring mid-career professionals) and the CAST Science Communication Scholarship (supporting student members), the awards now reflect CAST’s commitment to recognizing and empowering leaders at every stage of their career — from students to experienced global figures.
More Information
- Registration is now open — limited spaces available.
- More about Ambassador Quinn can be found here.
- Media assets, including logos, photos, and event materials, are available here.
- Ambassador Quinn will be available for select media interviews in connection with the award presentation; inquiries may be directed to the CAST Media Contact.
Media Contact:
Carlos Back Vianna
Director of Marketing and Communications
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)
Email: cvianna@cast-science.org
