In a recent election at the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), Mr. Brandon Neuschafer – Co-leader for Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP International Food and Agriculture Team – was chosen as the President-Elect for 2023-2024.

In his legal practice, Neuschafer advises clients across the food production supply chain, from crop inputs to food manufacturers to grocery stores and restaurants, and has experience working with regulatory agencies such as FDA, USDA, EPA, OSHA, DOT and state counterparts. He has a particular expertise in the regulation of pesticides and other crop chemicals. His involvement with CAST includes invaluable service on the Board of Directors and previously chairing the food science and food safety work group, as a representative for the American Bar Association.

Neuschafer brings a unique perspective to CAST focused on legal and policy challenges and opportunities. Two of his many goals in this important leadership role are to support and increase CAST’s various communication formats and expand membership to include a broader group of prospects. “But perhaps most importantly,” Neuschafer says, “I think my key role will be to provide leadership and assist with continuity during a period of transition for CAST, which will also require support from the full slates of all three boards.”

Neuschafer will officially assume his responsibilities as President-Elect at the conclusion of CAST’s annual meeting in November 2023. In 2024-2025, he will become the 52nd president of CAST, a singular honor and responsibility dating back to 1972, when Charles A. Black and Norman Borlaug, along with other committed scientists, spearheaded the movement to “bring science-based information to policymaking and the public.”

Dr. Sally Flis, Nutrien, is the presiding CAST President, and Dr. Alex Thomasson, Mississippi State University, is the current President-Elect until the conclusion of the annual board meeting in November. Dr. Chris Boomsma, will join CAST August 1 as the new Executive Vice President and CEO. Dr. Boomsma follows Kent Schescke who is retiring from the position later in August.

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About CAST:

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology is an international consortium of scientific and professional societies, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Through its network of experts, CAST assembles, interprets, and communicates credible, balanced, science-based information to policymakers, the media, the private sector, and the public.