The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology is undertaking a comprehensive examination of how it can serve as the National Academy of Agriculture—providing strategic foresight, authoritative guidance, and trusted scientific information on issues critical to the present and future of U.S. agriculture.
To guide this work, CAST has formed a Strategic Advisory Council composed of 18 distinguished leaders from academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.
For 53 years, CAST has convened and coordinated networks of experts to assemble, interpret, and communicate credible, objective, science-based information to policymakers, the media, the private sector, and the public.
As agriculture faces rapid technological change, rising geopolitical competition, shifting consumer expectations, and evolving food and national security risks, the U.S. needs strong, coordinated, cross-sector leadership in agricultural science and technology.
CAST’s credibility, nonpartisan structure, cross-sector membership, extensive expert network, and proven communication capacity make it uniquely capable of filling this leadership role.
To guide this work, CAST has formed a Strategic Advisory Council composed of 18 distinguished leaders from academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.
The SAC will assess, define, and recommend the steps necessary for CAST to evolve into the National Academy of Agriculture. The council will work to answer critical questions:
The SAC will regularly meet over the next several months and will provide recommendations to the CAST Board of Directors by mid-2026.
As agriculture faces rapid technological change, rising geopolitical competition, shifting consumer expectations, and evolving food and national security risks, the U.S. needs strong, coordinated, cross-sector leadership in agricultural science and technology.
CAST’s credibility, nonpartisan structure, cross-sector membership, extensive expert network, and proven communication capacity make it uniquely capable of filling this leadership role.
To guide this work, CAST has formed a Strategic Advisory Council composed of 18 distinguished leaders from academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.
General Counsel, NC Chamber | President, NC Chamber Legal Institute
Ray Starling serves as General Counsel of the NC Chamber and President of the NC Chamber Legal Institute. He previously served in senior policy roles in the Trump Administration, including at the White House Domestic Policy Council and USDA.
Chief Executive Officer, Pairwise
Tom Adams is CEO of Pairwise, a food innovation company using CRISPR technology to develop healthier and more sustainable food options. He previously served as Senior Vice President at Monsanto and has extensive experience in agricultural biotechnology and food innovation.
Vice President of Science Policy and Regulatory Affairs, CropLife America
Manojit Basu leads science policy and regulatory affairs for CropLife America, representing the plant science industry. He brings expertise in agricultural biotechnology policy, international regulatory frameworks, and science-based decision-making.
Executive Director, UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies
Jack Bobo directs UCLA's Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, focusing on the intersection of food, technology, and policy. He previously served as Senior Advisor for Global Food Security at the U.S. Department of State.
Principal, Borlaug Consulting
Julie Borlaug is the granddaughter of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug and continues his legacy through her work in agricultural development, food security, and science communication. She brings deep knowledge of international agricultural research and development.
