CAST celebrates 50th anniversary

In 2022, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, or CAST, is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a trusted source for credible, balanced, science-based information about food, agriculture, and the environment.

Through its network of experts, CAST, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with national and international membership, assembles, interprets, and communicates credible, science-based agricultural information. Its publications reach a wide audience, including policymakers, scientists, educators, producers, the media, and the general public.

“A 50th anniversary marks a significant milestone for an organization,” says CAST Executive Vice President and CEO Kent Schescke. “The CAST boards and staff are so grateful to all of our leaders over the past 50 years who have defined, and continue to refine, the mission and vision of CAST. And of course we appreciate our members, supporters, and volunteer authors and reviewers, whose contributions are literally the lifeblood of this organization.”

Membership in CAST is comprised of scientific/professional societies, universities, libraries, nonprofit organizations, companies, and individuals from 46 states and seven countries. On 31 Aug. 1971, ASA, CSSA, and SSSA were among the first societies to vote to become members of CAST. On 26 May 1972, CAST officially became a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

As CAST society members, ASA, CSSA, and SSSA help address some of the most important issues that impact our planet. Serving their Societies as CAST representatives are Sharon Clay (ASA), P.V. Vara Prasad (CSSA), and Charles Rice (SSSA), all members of the plant agriculture and environmental issues work group.

If you are interested in supporting CAST’s work as an individual member, please visit www.cast-science.org/membership/individual-members/.