About the Award: The Borlaug CAST Communication Award 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 award is dedicated to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, “The Man Who Fed the World” and author of CAST publication #1, 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.

Presentation Gift: A Bronze by Sculptor Jerry Palen

Theme: 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.

The mission of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is to assemble, interpret, and communicate credible, balanced, science-based information to policymakers, the media, the private sector, and the public.