This Issue Paper (IP 45), which includes a preface from Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, updates CAST Paper No. 1 written by Dr. Borlaug in 1973. The authors address future demands facing agriculture, the relationship between bioenergy and bioproducts, and major issues impacting U.S. and global agricultural productivity. Strategies to meet future food needs and examples of research that could enable the next Green Revolution are discussed. The authors question the commitment to agricultural research and underscore the far-reaching impact—or consequences of its absence—on the nation and the world.

Dr. Borlaug was a lifelong promoter and advocate for the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), beginning at its founding in 1972. He was the featured speaker at the CAST–Industry Conference, held in January 1973, at which CAST was introduced to the agribusiness community. His remarks at the conference—later published as CAST Paper #1—helped establish the new organization and set the tone for its mission and impact.