About the Award: The Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA) is presented annually for outstanding achievement by a scientist, engineer, technologist, or other professional working in the agricultural, environmental, or food sectors for contributing to the advancement of science in the public policy arena. Primary consideration will be given to candidates who are actively engaged in promoting agriculture through research, teaching, extension, or mass communication; who have made significant contributions to their discipline or field; and who demonstrate a passionate interest in communicating the importance of agriculture to policymakers, the news media, and the public.

Nominees must have demonstrated their ability to communicate by written material; public presentations; and/or the use of television, radio, or other social media. They should be recognized by their peers as scientists who have made significant contributions in their professional fields.

The Borlaug CAST Communication Award was introduced in 2010. It replaces the Charles A. Black Award, which was given from 1986 through 2009. The award is dedicated to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, “The Man Who Fed the World” and author of the first CAST publication in 1973, and to Dr. Charles A. Black, first CAST President, first Executive Vice President, and member of the founding committee of CAST.  These two men embody the passion and dedication to agricultural research and technology that this award is designed to reward.

The winner receives a custom-made bronze created by sculptor Jerry Palen themed “A World Supported by Plants and Animals.”

About the Artist: Jerry Palen is a sculptor, painter, and cartoonist whose work earned him the 2009 Governor’s Arts Award for his contributions to the arts as an individual artist. His “Stampede” cartoon series, featuring the ranching couple Flo and Elmo, has earned him the reputation as the largest weekly syndicated cartoonist in the agricultural sector of both the U.S. and Canada. He has established a large following of collectors for his bronzes, watercolors, oils, and pencil sketches. Every U.S. President since Jimmy Carter has used his bronze sculptures for presentations and gifts.