Publications

Whether you’re a policymaker, a member of the media, or just someone seeking well-researched, trusted, and non-partisan scientific information, CAST offers a wealth of publications on a wide range of agricultural science topics.

These papers have been created by recognized experts in their respective fields, and they are written in a style that makes their content accessible to anyone wishing to understand the issues.

Publications are listed with the most recent releases first. Use the search feature to find specific publications by series, subject, or title.

Your CAST membership delivers additional educational resources, from reference publications to our weekly Friday Notes digital newsletter.

 

Zoonotic Diseases in Animal Agriculture and Beyond: A One Health Perspective
November, 2022

By looking through the lens of One Health, we identify key lessons learned in the […]

Goals, Strengths and Limitations Governing the Use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Food and Agriculture
January, 2022

Life cycle assessment (LCA) considers a product’s life cycle & quantifies the relevant impacts caused by it. The agricultural & food communities need to familiarize themselves with LCA use & interpretation because of its use to examine & quantify the impacts of agricultural production & its growing influence on decision-making.

Gains Foregone by Going GMO Free: Potential Impacts on Consumers, the Environment, and Agricultural Producers
November, 2021

Innovation in agricultural production is necessary to aid in combatting the negative effects of climate change and new pest and disease pressures that result from trade between geographical regions.

Celebrating 50 Years as the Trusted Source for Agricultural Science and Technology
November, 2021

CAST is celebrating 50 years as the trusted source for credible, balanced, science-based information.

The Role of Agricultural Science and Technology in Climate 21 Project Implementation
June, 2021

The transition team for the Biden Administration introduced the Climate 21 Project as the blueprint for how the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) can help advance the role of agriculture and forestry to mitigate and adapt to climate change pressures. This report will summarize for each of the key recommendations and priorities where current agricultural science and technology for plant and animal production can be applied and where new investments will be critical to meeting the goals of the administration.

Ground and Aerial Robots for Agricultural Production: Opportunities and Challenges
November, 2020

This issue paper presents opportunities provided by ground and aerial robots for improved crop and animal production, and the challenges associated with their progress and adoption.

Food Biofortification—Reaping the Benefits of Science to Overcome Hidden Hunger
October, 2020

This new paper covers the wide range of inter-disciplinary topics encompassed by biofortification including the economic justification for biofortification, bioavailability and efficacy of biofortified crops, crop development, catalyzing the scale up of biofortification, and the potential of transgenic approaches in biofortification.

The Importance of Communicating Empirically Based Science for Society
September, 2020

This paper discusses the crucial factors of what we define as empirically based science (rigorous, proven methodologies, and peer reviewed results), emphasizing that whether science is conducted by a private company, a university, or a government department or agency, it is all the same, requiring that sound methodologies be followed.

Impacto del Principio Precautorio en la Alimentación de las Generaciones Actuales y Futuras
September, 2020

Luego de un análisis basado en investigaciones y un proceso de revisión por pares, los autores de este artículo del CAST lo dejan claro: “El principio precautorio bien podría ser concepto más innovador, penetrante y significativo en la política ambiental del último cuarto de siglo. También puede ser el más temerario, arbitrario y mal aconsejado.” Los autores ejemplifican fallas que presenta el PP al intentar ofrecer un marco confiable y razonado para su aplicación en la gestión de riesgos.

Agriculture and the Microbiome
August, 2020

Modern agriculture is successful today because of advances in mechanization, breeding, nutrients (e.g., fertilization), and pest and disease management, all of which enhance crop productivity and provide greater food security. Expanding the use of crop microbiomes to improve plant production is the next agricultural revolution.