Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)
type: channel
description: CAST Publications is a repository of peer-reviewed reports on agricultural science and technology. These standalone publications serve policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders with evidence-based analysis on critical agricultural issues.
publisher: Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)
language: en
publication name: Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)
copyright: License Terms for CC Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0: License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ License Terms Statement: You are free to: Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material Under the following conditions: Attribution — you must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made NonCommercial — you may not use the material for commercial purposes No additional restrictions — you may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
items: Zoonotic Diseases in Animal Agriculture and Beyond: A One Health Perspective
items: Food Traceability: Current Status and Future Opportunities
items: Ionizing Energy in Food Processing and Pest Control: I. Wholesomeness of Food Treated With Ionizing Energy
items: Agricultural Science and the Public
items: Convergence of Agriculture and Energy: II. Producing Cellulosic Biomass for Biofuels
items: Food Waste Across the Supply Chain: A U.S. Perspective on a Global Problem
items: Gene Flow in Alfalfa: Biology, Mitigation, and Potential Impact on Production
items: Impact of the Precautionary Principle on the Nutrition of Current and Future Generations
items: FIFRA and the Endangered Species Act: Finding a Balance between Agricultural Efficiency, Environmental Sustainability, and Regulatory Stability
items: A Legal Discussion of the FIFRA/ESA Consultation Process Over Time
items: Improving the FIFRA/ESA Process by Addressing Key Obstacles and Incorporating Better Data and Tools
items: Developing and Adopting Economically Effective Pesticide Mitigation Strategies: Critical to the Survival of Agriculture and Endangered Species
items: FIFRA, ESA and Pesticide Consultation: Identifying and Overcoming the Complexities from a Growers Perspective
items: State Regulatory Agencies as Conduit for Informing Local Conditions in Federal Pesticide Processes
items: RNA Interference in Agriculture: Methods, Applications, and Governance
items: Applications, Benefits, and Challenges of Genome Edited Crops
items: Preventing the Next Plant Invasion: Opportunities and Challenges
items: FIFRA, ESA, and Pesticide Consultation: Understanding and Addressing the Complexities
items: Impacts of Soil Health Practices on Hydrologic Processes
items: Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative
items: AI in Agriculture: Opportunities, Challenges, and Recommendations
items: Precision Irrigation Management
items: Animal and Plant Sourced Proteins as Part of a Balanced Human Diet

Zoonotic Diseases in Animal Agriculture and Beyond: A One Health Perspective
type: item
description: *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-WEB:e6f23a9d-4464-4359-90b5-4c20d870ca37-1" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Zoonotic diseases are increasing in frequency and impact, driven by population growth, agricultural intensification, environmental change, globalization, climate pressures, and antimicrobial resistance. Because most emerging infectious diseases originate from animals, the health of people, animals, and ecosystems is fundamentally interconnected. Through selected examples—including foodborne, waterborne, vector-borne, and influenza-related diseases—this publication highlights the complex drivers of zoonotic emergence and the limitations of siloed responses. It emphasizes the need for a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health through strengthened surveillance, cross-sector collaboration, infrastructure investment, and prevention-focused strategies. Adopting One Health is essential to reducing the risk of future outbreaks and building a more resilient and secure global health system.
subject: Special Publications
  topic: section
subject: Zoonotic diseases
  topic: keywords
subject: One Health
  topic: keywords
subject: Animal agriculture
  topic: keywords
subject: Emerging infectious diseases
  topic: keywords
subject: Antimicrobial resistance
  topic: keywords
subject: Foodborne pathogens
  topic: keywords
subject: Global health security
  topic: keywords
subject: Disease surveillance
  topic: keywords
subject: Pandemic preparedness
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental drivers
  topic: keywords
creator: Lonnie King
creator: Tavis K. Anderson
creator: Casey Barton Behravesh
creator: Laura E. Binkley
creator: Bernadette Dunham
creator: Tracey Dutcher
creator: John L. Gittleman
creator: Wondwossen A. Gebreyes
creator: Laura H. Kahn
creator: Megin Nichols
creator: Joan B. Rose
creator: Johanna S. Salzer
creator: G. Sean Stapleton
creator: Patrick R. Stephens
creator: Erica Spackman
creator: David E. Swayne
creator: Amy L. Vincent Baker
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2022-11-14
publication date: 2022-11-14
doi: 10.62300/70p4yv47

Food Traceability: Current Status and Future Opportunities
type: item
description: Food traceability has been defined as “the ability to track and trace any food through all stages of production, processing and distribution” (including importation and at retail). Though food traceability supports numerous use cases (e.g., supply chain optimization, sustainability efforts, and product differentiation), food safety remains one of the most critical applications. Food traceability enables corrective actions (such as a product recall) to be implemented quickly and effectively when something goes wrong. When a potential food safety problem is identified, an effective traceability system can help isolate and prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers. Food traceability not only facilitates consumer awareness of potentially harmful products but can also be used to provide desirable information about provenance. The technology and enabling architecture of food traceability is rapidly advancing in response to demand from consumers, food producers, distributors and retailers, and food safety regulators. There have been several technological and regulatory developments that make clear that credible, functional, and impactful food traceability is likely to become a reality in the United States. Food traceability has become an important focus in both industry and government. The incidence of food borne transmission of pathogens resulting in acute and long-term adverse health impacts remains stubbornly above acceptable levels. The primary objective of the paper is to investigate and discuss the development and use of various technologies to enable the traceability of food products and thus enhance food safety, source transparency, and consumer confidence. The paper will deep dive into the technological infrastructure underlying food traceability platforms, and discuss the history of such platforms, current state of the technology, ongoing U.S. food traceability regulatory initiatives, and the likelihood of commercial scale deployment. This paper will …
subject: CAST Issue Papers
  topic: section
subject: Food traceability
  topic: keywords
subject: Food safety
  topic: keywords
subject: Supply chain transparency
  topic: keywords
subject: Critical Tracking Events (CTEs)
  topic: keywords
subject: Key Data Elements (KDEs)
  topic: keywords
subject: Interoperability
  topic: keywords
subject: Foodborne outbreaks
  topic: keywords
subject: Regulatory frameworks
  topic: keywords
subject: Digital traceability technologies
  topic: keywords
subject: Global food systems
  topic: keywords
creator: Robert Gravani
creator: Sara Bratager
creator: Andrew Kennedy
creator: Jennifer McEntire
creator: Julie McGill
creator: Allen Sayler
creator: Frank Yiannas
creator: Thomas Burke
creator: Liz Sertl
creator: Maria Velissariou
creator: Bryan Hitchcock
creator: Keith Matthews
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2023-09-28
publication date: 2023-09-28
doi: 10.62300/m0t6a757

Ionizing Energy in Food Processing and Pest Control: I. Wholesomeness of Food Treated With Ionizing Energy
type: item
description: This report evaluates the wholesomeness of foods treated with ionizing energy when used for food processing and pest control. It reviews the physical nature of ionizing radiation, sources of natural and induced radiation exposure, and the mechanisms by which ionizing energy interacts with food components and microorganisms. The assessment examines the toxicological, microbiological, and nutritional safety of irradiated foods, including the formation and significance of radiolytic products. Evidence from animal feeding studies, human consumption data, and government and international evaluations is reviewed to determine whether irradiation introduces health risks or compromises food quality. The report also considers irradiation alongside conventional food processing and preservation methods, and its effectiveness in controlling foodborne pathogens and insect pests. Based on the available scientific data and regulatory reviews at the time of publication, the task force concludes that foods irradiated under approved conditions are wholesome and safe for human consumption and that ionizing energy is a viable and effective food processing technology when properly applied.
subject: Task Force Reports
  topic: section
subject: Food irradiation
  topic: keywords
subject: Ionizing energy
  topic: keywords
subject: Food safety
  topic: keywords
subject: Food preservation
  topic: keywords
subject: Pest control
  topic: keywords
creator: Eugen Wierbicki
creator: Edward S. Josephson
creator: Ari Brynjolfsson
creator: Julius M. Coon
creator: R. Burt Maxcy
creator: Charles Merritt, Jr.
creator: Irwin A. Taub
rights: Copyright (c) 1986 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 1986-07-11
publication date: 1986-07-11
doi: 10.62300/wnnvcc19

Agricultural Science and the Public
type: item
description: Dr. Borlaug was a lifelong promoter and advocate for the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), beginning at its founding in 1972. He was the featured speaker at the CAST–Industry Conference, held in January 1973, at which CAST was introduced to the agribusiness community. His remarks at the conference—later published as CAST Paper #1—helped establish the new organization and set the tone for its mission and impact. “It is opportune today that the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology is being formed to bring back together, after many years of separation, the different disciplines of agricultural science into a body designed to affect overall policy of agricultural development….CAST therefore has both a tremendous responsibility and opportunity to present unbiased, scientific data on many of these issues to congressmen, policy makers, and the general public so that wise policy and legislation will be enacted. I have faith the correct decisions will be made if the facts are made known to the general public and to the national and state legislative leaders. [Excerpt from CAST Paper No. 1]”
subject: CAST Issue Papers
  topic: section
subject: Agricultural science
  topic: keywords
subject: Science communication
  topic: keywords
subject: Food production systems
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental policy
  topic: keywords
creator: Norman E. Borlaug
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2026-01-28
publication date: 2026-01-28
doi: 10.62300/p3kx8r29

Convergence of Agriculture and Energy: II. Producing Cellulosic Biomass for Biofuels
type: item
description: The commentary addresses the growing need for renewable energy sources as global petroleum supplies decline and energy demand rises. It emphasizes the transition from grain-based ethanol to cellulosic biomass as a feedstock for biofuel production. The paper outlines challenges in developing sustainable and profitable biomass production systems, including agronomic practices, crop development, feedstock logistics, and policy frameworks. It calls for significant investments in research, development, and education to overcome technical and economic barriers. The ultimate goal is to create a coordinated national strategy that ensures efficient biomass production, harvest, and conversion to meet U.S. energy targets while maintaining environmental sustainability.
subject: CAST Commentaries
  topic: section
subject: Cellulosic biomass
  topic: keywords
subject: Biofuels
  topic: keywords
subject: Ethanol production
  topic: keywords
subject: Renewable energy
  topic: keywords
subject: Agronomic systems
  topic: keywords
subject: Crop development
  topic: keywords
subject: Feedstock logistics
  topic: keywords
subject: Energy policy
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainable agriculture
  topic: keywords
subject: Biomass supply chain
  topic: keywords
subject: Agronomy
  topic: disciplines
subject: Soil Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Plant Genetics and Breeding
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agricultural Engineering
  topic: disciplines
subject: Energy Systems
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Policy and Economics
  topic: disciplines
subject: Extension Education
  topic: disciplines
creator: Steven L. Fales
creator: J. Richard Hess
creator: W. W. Wilhelm
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2007-11-05
publication date: 2007-11-05
starting page: 8
ending page: 8
doi: 10.62300/qtwagx74

Food Waste Across the Supply Chain: A U.S. Perspective on a Global Problem
type: item
description: This edited volume examines the scale, causes, and consequences of food loss and waste across the U.S. supply chain, and presents strategies and case studies for reduction, recovery, and recycling. Contributions cover global trends and environmental footprints, consumer behavior, industry practices, food rescue and composting, animal feed pathways, and policy and legal frameworks—concluding with recommendations to support the national goal of a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030.
subject: Special Publications
  topic: section
subject: Food Waste
  topic: keywords
subject: Food Loss
  topic: keywords
subject: Supply Chain
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: Food Security
  topic: keywords
subject: Consumer Behavior
  topic: keywords
subject: Policy
  topic: keywords
subject: Composting
  topic: keywords
subject: Animal Feed
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental Footprint
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Economics
  topic: disciplines
subject: Public Health
  topic: disciplines
subject: Law
  topic: disciplines
subject: Veterinary Medicine
  topic: disciplines
subject: Food Marketing
  topic: disciplines
creator: Zhengxia Dou
creator: James D. Ferguson
creator: David T. Galligan
creator: Alan M. Kelly
creator: Steven M. Finn
creator: Robert Giegengack
creator: Jonathan Bloom
creator: Jean C. Buzby
creator: Alexandra Cirone
creator: Nicole M. Civita
creator: Elena Crouch
creator: Barbara Ekwall
creator: Nora Goldstein
creator: Elise Golan
creator: Ethen Grant
creator: Karen Hanner
creator: Brittany Hartmire
creator: Jane Kauer
creator: Christine Kim
creator: Gomian Konneh
creator: David Masser
creator: Emily M. Moscato
creator: Roni A. Neff
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2016-03-07
publication date: 2016-03-07
starting page: 358
ending page: 358
doi: 10.62300/n4fbpp09

Gene Flow in Alfalfa: Biology, Mitigation, and Potential Impact on Production
type: item
description: This publication addresses gene flow in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and its implications for coexistence among genetically engineered (GE), conventional, and organic production systems. It explains biological and agronomic factors influencing gene movement via pollen and seed, and outlines mitigation strategies to minimize adventitious presence (AP) of GE traits in sensitive markets. Key findings indicate that gene flow in hay production is extremely low due to frequent harvests before seed set, while seed production poses higher potential risk but can be effectively managed through isolation distances, pollinator control, and best management practices. The report emphasizes science-based coexistence strategies, including certified seed use, crop rotation, and removal of feral plants, to maintain genetic purity and market access.
subject: CAST Translated Publications
  topic: section
subject: Gene flow
  topic: keywords
subject: Alfalfa
  topic: keywords
subject: Genetic engineering
  topic: keywords
subject: Coexistence strategies
  topic: keywords
subject: Adventitious presence
  topic: keywords
subject: Pollen-mediated transfer
  topic: keywords
subject: Seed purity
  topic: keywords
subject: Isolation distances
  topic: keywords
subject: Pollinators
  topic: keywords
subject: Best management practices
  topic: keywords
subject: Plant Genetics
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agronomy
  topic: disciplines
subject: Biotechnology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Risk Assessment
  topic: disciplines
subject: Seed Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Pollination Ecology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agricultural Policy
  topic: disciplines
creator: Allen E. Van Deynze
creator: Sharie Fitzpatrick
creator: Bob Hammon
creator: Mark H. McCaslin
creator: Daniel H. Putnam
creator: Larry R. Teuber
creator: Daniel J. Undersander
creator: Susana Fredin
rights: Copyright (c) 2019 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2019-09-26
publication date: 2019-09-26
doi: 10.62300/rnbr0547

Impact of the Precautionary Principle on the Nutrition of Current and Future Generations
type: item
description: The precautionary principle (PP) has emerged as one of the most influential yet controversial concepts in environmental and food policy over the past two decades. Initially intended to promote prudent risk management under scientific uncertainty, its application has often been ambiguous, arbitrary, and biased against innovation. This paper reviews the historical development of the PP, its interpretations across jurisdictions, and its implications for agricultural technologies. Through case studies on pesticides, genetically modified (GM) foods, and food irradiation, the authors demonstrate that strict or poorly defined precautionary measures can hinder technological progress, reduce food security, and exacerbate global hunger. While precaution is essential in risk governance, the PP in its current form fails to provide a coherent, rational framework for decision-making. The authors argue for a balanced approach—“not too little, not too much”—to ensure safety without stifling innovation critical for feeding a projected global population of 9.1 billion by 2050. Ultimately, the PP’s legacy should be fostering deliberate, evidence-based precaution rather than imposing rigid barriers that compromise health, trade, and sustainability.
subject: CAST Translated Publications
  topic: section
subject: Precautionary Principle
  topic: keywords
subject: Risk Management
  topic: keywords
subject: Food Security
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural Innovation
  topic: keywords
subject: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
  topic: keywords
subject: Food Irradiation
  topic: keywords
subject: Pesticides
  topic: keywords
subject: Regulatory Policy
  topic: keywords
subject: Biotechnology
  topic: keywords
subject: Global Trade
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Policy
  topic: disciplines
subject: Food Technology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Risk Analysis
  topic: disciplines
subject: Biotechnology
  topic: disciplines
subject: International Trade
  topic: disciplines
creator: Gary Marchant
creator: Linda Abbott
creator: Allan Felsot
creator: Robert L. Griffin
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2020-09-01
publication date: 2020-09-01
doi: 10.62300/86130576

FIFRA and the Endangered Species Act: Finding a Balance between Agricultural Efficiency, Environmental Sustainability, and Regulatory Stability
type: item
description: This paper explores the complex intersection between the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), focusing on the challenges of harmonizing pesticide regulation with species protection mandates. It reviews the historical evolution of both statutes, the repeated cycles of regulatory attempts, and the persistent difficulties in implementing effective consultation processes. The authors highlight the contrasting frameworks of FIFRA’s risk-benefit balancing and ESA’s species-centric approach, which have led to logistical overload, litigation, and regulatory uncertainty. Recent initiatives by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the ESA Workplan Update and pilot projects, aim to improve compliance and integrate better science and mapping techniques. However, the paper questions whether these efforts will resolve longstanding conflicts or perpetuate the cycle of stalled implementation. Ultimately, it calls for innovative, collaborative solutions to achieve agricultural efficiency, environmental sustainability, and regulatory stability.
subject: CAST Commentaries
  topic: section
subject: FIFRA
  topic: keywords
subject: Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  topic: keywords
subject: Pesticide regulation
  topic: keywords
subject: Risk-benefit analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental policy
  topic: keywords
subject: Species protection
  topic: keywords
subject: Regulatory consultation
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: EPA Workplan
  topic: keywords
subject: Conservation
  topic: keywords
subject: Risk assessment
  topic: keywords
subject: Litigation
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agricultural Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Public Policy
  topic: disciplines
subject: Regulatory Affairs
  topic: disciplines
subject: Conservation Biology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Law
  topic: disciplines
subject: Risk Management
  topic: disciplines
subject: Ecology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Toxicology
  topic: disciplines
creator: Bernalyn McGaughey
creator: Stanley Culpepper
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2023-11-28
publication date: 2023-11-28
doi: 10.62300/kmbpep31

A Legal Discussion of the FIFRA/ESA Consultation Process Over Time
type: item
description: This paper examines the intersection of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It provides an overview of the statutory obligations under both laws, reviews EPA’s historical efforts to comply with ESA requirements during pesticide regulation, and analyzes recent policy developments aimed at improving compliance. The discussion includes past consultation strategies, litigation trends, and the agency’s current proposals, such as early mitigation measures, the Draft Herbicide Strategy, and the Vulnerable Species Pilot Program. The paper concludes by highlighting unresolved legal and practical questions regarding the effectiveness and enforceability of these new approaches.
subject: CAST Commentaries
  topic: section
subject: Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  topic: keywords
subject: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  topic: keywords
subject: Section 7 Consultation
  topic: keywords
subject: Pesticide Regulation
  topic: keywords
subject: Biological Opinion (BiOp)
  topic: keywords
subject: Early Mitigation
  topic: keywords
subject: Herbicide Strategy
  topic: keywords
subject: Vulnerable Species Pilot Program (VSPP)
  topic: keywords
subject: Critical Habitat
  topic: keywords
subject: Risk-Benefit Analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: ESA Compliance
  topic: keywords
subject: Pesticide Labeling
  topic: keywords
subject: Federal Preemption
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental Law
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agricultural Law
  topic: disciplines
subject: Regulatory Policy
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Public Administration
  topic: disciplines
subject: Wildlife Conservation
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agronomy and Crop Management
  topic: disciplines
subject: Risk Assessment and Management
  topic: disciplines
creator: Bernalyn McGaughey
creator: Stanley Culpepper
creator: Brigit Rollins
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2023-12-20
publication date: 2023-12-20
doi: 10.62300/w946yk97

Improving the FIFRA/ESA Process by Addressing Key Obstacles and Incorporating Better Data and Tools
type: item
description: This commentary examines the challenges and limitations of the current consultation process between the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the United States. The process, which requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to register pesticides to comply with ESA mandates, has become increasingly complex due to overlapping species ranges, conservative risk-assessment methodologies, and resource constraints. The authors identify three major obstacles: insufficient resources, excessive litigation, and conflicting objectives between FIFRA and ESA. They argue that current screening-level assessments are overly conservative, leading to inefficiencies and potentially unnecessary mitigation measures. The paper advocates integrating higher-tier data, advanced modeling, and stakeholder engagement to improve ecological risk assessments (ERAs). Recommendations include adopting tiered frameworks, prioritizing species based on actual threats, leveraging probabilistic geospatial tools, and considering broader anthropogenic stressors beyond pesticides. Ultimately, the authors call for a science-driven, transparent, and collaborative approach to streamline the FIFRA/ESA process, enhance protection for listed species, and support agricultural productivity.
subject: CAST Commentaries
  topic: section
subject: FIFRA
  topic: keywords
subject: Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  topic: keywords
subject: Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA)
  topic: keywords
subject: Biological Evaluation (BE)
  topic: keywords
subject: Biological Opinion (BO)
  topic: keywords
subject: Pesticide Regulation
  topic: keywords
subject: Listed Species
  topic: keywords
subject: Risk Assessment Methodology
  topic: keywords
subject: Higher-tier Data
  topic: keywords
subject: Population Modeling
  topic: keywords
subject: Stakeholder Engagement
  topic: keywords
subject: Conservation Strategies
  topic: keywords
subject: Regulatory Science
  topic: keywords
subject: Anthropogenic Stressors
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental Policy
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental Toxicology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Ecology and Conservation Biology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Policy and Law
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agricultural Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Risk Assessment and Modeling
  topic: disciplines
subject: Regulatory Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Management
  topic: disciplines
subject: Wildlife Protection
  topic: disciplines
subject: Sustainability and Food Security
  topic: disciplines
creator: Bernalyn McGaughey
creator: Stanley Culpepper
creator: Richard A. Brain
creator: Valery E. Forbes
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2024-01-09
publication date: 2024-01-09
doi: 10.62300/qd4hfd59

Developing and Adopting Economically Effective Pesticide Mitigation Strategies: Critical to the Survival of Agriculture and Endangered Species
type: item
description: This paper examines the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating pesticide mitigation strategies into regulatory frameworks under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) while maintaining agricultural productivity. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed mitigation measures to reduce pesticide exposure to ESA-listed species, primarily through spray-drift buffers and runoff-reduction practices. However, these measures often lack flexibility and scientific specificity, creating economic and operational burdens for growers. The paper emphasizes the need for transparent, science-based, and stakeholder-driven approaches that incorporate existing best management practices (BMPs) and conservation programs. It advocates for measurable outcomes to ensure that mitigation efforts are both effective and necessary, highlighting the importance of collaboration among regulators, industry, and farmers to achieve the dual goals of species protection and agricultural sustainability.
subject: CAST Commentaries
  topic: section
subject: Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  topic: keywords
subject: Pesticide mitigation
  topic: keywords
subject: Herbicide Strategy
  topic: keywords
subject: Best Management Practices (BMPs)
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: Spray drift buffers
  topic: keywords
subject: Conservation programs
  topic: keywords
subject: Regulatory compliance
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental stewardship
  topic: keywords
subject: EPA mitigation menu
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agricultural Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Regulatory Policy
  topic: disciplines
subject: Economics
  topic: disciplines
subject: Ecology
  topic: disciplines
creator: Bernalyn McGaughey
creator: Stanley Culpepper
creator: Leah Duzy
creator: Taylor Randell Singleton
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2024-01-30
publication date: 2024-01-30
doi: 10.62300/0e36xy42

FIFRA, ESA and Pesticide Consultation: Identifying and Overcoming the Complexities from a Growers Perspective
type: item
description: This commentary examines why consultations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) have been so difficult to align with pesticide actions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and proposes grower‑oriented ways to make protections both scientifically credible and practically implementable. The authors outline six interlocking challenges identified by EPA—including workload and staffing constraints, process misalignment, broad registrations affecting many species, methodological/data gaps, and the need for stronger interagency relationships—alongside the National Research Council’s recommendations on harmonized methods, probabilistic risk assessment, and the incorporation of stakeholder data. The paper details growers’ concerns about the accuracy of species and habitat mapping, access to and weighting of pesticide use data, conservative surrogate‑species toxicity assumptions, the real‑world feasibility of mitigation measures (especially for specialty crops and leased land), heavy reliance on models that may not be sufficiently validated for all use scenarios, and communication/usability issues with EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two (BLT). Case examples compare model predictions to field monitoring (e.g., atrazine in Florida; chlorpyrifos and malathion in the Pacific Northwest), highlighting where screening models may overpredict exposure and where tiered, refined approaches substantially improve accuracy. The commentary closes by urging EPA and partner agencies to ground decisions in realistic use scenarios, invest in validated exposure modeling (including air‑blast drift Tier III tools and drift‑reduction technologies), refine geospatial targeting of mitigations, and ensure affected producers have a seat at the table—eschewing one‑size‑fits‑all rules in favor of practicable, crop‑specific solutions.
subject: CAST Commentaries
  topic: section
subject: FIFRA
  topic: keywords
subject: Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  topic: keywords
subject: pesticide risk assessment
  topic: keywords
subject: mitigation
  topic: keywords
subject: specialty crops
  topic: keywords
subject: modeling and model validation
  topic: keywords
subject: species range mapping
  topic: keywords
subject: pesticide usage data
  topic: keywords
subject: interagency consultation
  topic: keywords
subject: Bulletins Live! Two (BLT)
  topic: keywords
subject: drift reduction
  topic: keywords
subject: air‑blast sprayers
  topic: keywords
subject: probabilistic risk assessment
  topic: keywords
subject: stakeholder engagement
  topic: keywords
creator: Bernalyn McGaughey
creator: Stanley Culpepper
creator: Michael Aerts
creator: David Epstein
creator: Michael Willett
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2024-02-20
publication date: 2024-02-20
doi: 10.62300/qtfvh974

State Regulatory Agencies as Conduit for Informing Local Conditions in Federal Pesticide Processes
type: item
description: This paper examines the intersection of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), focusing on the role of State Lead Agencies (SLAs) in implementing pesticide programs that comply with ESA requirements. It outlines the historical context of FIFRA and ESA integration, including the development of the Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP) and the EPA’s ESA Workplan. The discussion emphasizes the importance of early SLA engagement in federal pesticide processes to ensure practical, enforceable mitigation measures for protecting listed species and critical habitats. Recommendations include improving communication, training, and enforcement strategies, as well as forming collaborative workgroups to address emerging compliance challenges. The paper concludes that SLAs are uniquely positioned to serve as conduits for local conditions and end-user perspectives, which are essential for successful implementation of ESA-related pesticide measures.
subject: CAST Commentaries
  topic: section
subject: FIFRA
  topic: keywords
subject: Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  topic: keywords
subject: State Lead Agencies (SLAs)
  topic: keywords
subject: Pesticide Regulation
  topic: keywords
subject: EPA ESA Workplan
  topic: keywords
subject: Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP)
  topic: keywords
subject: Bulletins Live! Two (BLT)
  topic: keywords
subject: Pesticide Certification and Training (C&T)
  topic: keywords
subject: Compliance and Enforcement
  topic: keywords
subject: Listed Species Protection
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental Policy and Law
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agricultural Science and Pest Management
  topic: disciplines
subject: Wildlife Conservation and Ecology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
  topic: disciplines
subject: Public Administration and Cooperative Governance
  topic: disciplines
creator: Bernalyn McGaughey
creator: Stanley Culpepper
creator: Gary Bahr
creator: Ashlea Frank
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2024-03-12
publication date: 2024-03-12
doi: 10.62300/p34cbm48

RNA Interference in Agriculture: Methods, Applications, and Governance
type: item
description: RNA interference (RNAi) is a naturally occurring gene-silencing mechanism conserved across eukaryotes. It works by degrading target messenger RNA (mRNA), and has historically served as a research tool for studying gene function. Over the past two decades, RNAi has been explored for agricultural applications, including managing insect pests and pathogens, improving crop traits, and enhancing food quality. RNAi-based crop protection is attractive due to its high specificity, which minimizes unintended effects on non-target organisms and improves safety profiles. This paper explains RNAi mechanisms, current agricultural applications, regulatory perspectives on RNAi-based pesticides, and challenges for commercialization. It aims to inform regulatory agencies, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public for better decision-making regarding RNAi technologies in agriculture.
subject: CAST Issue Papers
  topic: section
subject: RNA interference (RNAi)
  topic: keywords
subject: Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)
  topic: keywords
subject: Gene silencing
  topic: keywords
subject: Biopesticides
  topic: keywords
subject: Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS)
  topic: keywords
subject: Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS)
  topic: keywords
subject: Genetically modified crops
  topic: keywords
subject: Pest management
  topic: keywords
subject: Regulatory governance
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainable agriculture
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural Biotechnology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Plant Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Entomology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Plant Pathology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Molecular Biology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Regulatory Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Food Safety and Risk Assessment
  topic: disciplines
subject: Nanotechnology (for RNA delivery systems)
  topic: disciplines
creator: Ana María Vélez Arango
creator: Kenneth Narva
creator: Molly Darlington
creator: Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes
creator: Karl-Heinz Kogel
creator: Keerti S. Rathore
creator: Guy Smagghe
creator: Steve Whyard
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2024-01-11
publication date: 2024-01-11
doi: 10.62300/IRNE9191

Applications, Benefits, and Challenges of Genome Edited Crops
type: item
description: The tools of genome editing were described more than a decade ago as promising ways to accelerate crop improvement, as well as for applications in human and animal health. Now, a decade later, we are seeing applications of genome editing across a range of crops and trait combinations that will benefit producers and consumers. Countries around the world are actively updating regulatory frameworks to adequately govern this new technology. In this paper, we describe recent advances in genome editing tools, review select applications underway, consider the benefits of the technology, and offer a perspective on significant challenges to the successful use of genome editing. Given an enabling policy environment, genome editing will be an important tool for creating a competitive bioeconomy while addressing major challenges in agriculture and for consumers. We offer five recommendations to ensure genome editing in agriculture benefits society.
subject: CAST Issue Papers
  topic: section
subject: CRISPR
  topic: keywords
subject: Genome editing
  topic: keywords
subject: Gene-edited crops
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural biotechnology
  topic: keywords
subject: Regulatory frameworks
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainable intensification
  topic: keywords
subject: Crop improvement
  topic: keywords
subject: Consumer traits
  topic: keywords
subject: Climate adaptation
  topic: keywords
subject: Food security
  topic: keywords
subject: Plant Genetics and Genomics
  topic: disciplines
subject: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agronomy and Crop Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Food Science and Nutrition
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Science and Sustainability
  topic: disciplines
subject: Economics and Policy Analysis
  topic: disciplines
subject: Regulatory Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Social Science (Consumer Behavior and Public Perception)
  topic: disciplines
creator: Sarah Evanega
creator: Zachary Brown
creator: Dave Bubeck
creator: Jose Falck-Zapeda
creator: Fan-Li Chou
creator: Nat Graham
creator: Nicholas Karavolias
creator: Leena Tripathi
creator: Melinda Yerka
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2024-03-20
publication date: 2024-03-20
doi: 10.62300/HJVU4083

Preventing the Next Plant Invasion: Opportunities and Challenges
type: item
description: Global trade and human activities have accelerated the introduction of non-native plant species, leading to significant ecological and economic impacts worldwide. Invasive plants are major drivers of biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption, with projected increases in establishment due to climate change and habitat alteration. This paper explores the invasion process, pathways of introduction, and the role of risk assessment in preventing future invasions. It reviews qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative risk assessment approaches, their applications in regulatory and non-regulatory contexts, and associated tools used in the United States and internationally. The paper also addresses barriers to implementation, the influence of climate change, and the need for proactive strategies such as horizon scanning and cultivar evaluation. Recommendations emphasize improving coordination, standardization, and integration of climate projections into risk assessments to enhance prevention and early detection efforts.
subject: CAST Issue Papers
  topic: section
subject: Invasive plants
  topic: keywords
subject: Risk assessment
  topic: keywords
subject: Biosecurity
  topic: keywords
subject: Weed Risk Assessment (WRA)
  topic: keywords
subject: Climate change
  topic: keywords
subject: Prevention and early detection
  topic: keywords
subject: Horticulture and biomass crops
  topic: keywords
subject: Cultivar development
  topic: keywords
subject: Regulatory frameworks
  topic: keywords
subject: Global trade
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Ecology and Environmental Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Biosecurity and Risk Analysis
  topic: disciplines
subject: Horticulture and Landscape Management
  topic: disciplines
subject: Climate Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Policy and Regulatory Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Economics
  topic: disciplines
creator: Deah Lieurance
creator: Theresa Culley
creator: Mark Brand
creator: Susan Canavan
creator: Curtis Daehler
creator: Christopher Evans
creator: Reuben Keller
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2024-03-27
publication date: 2024-03-27
doi: 10.62300/UOBB6546

FIFRA, ESA, and Pesticide Consultation: Understanding and Addressing the Complexities
type: item
description: The intersection of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) presents one of the most complex regulatory challenges in U.S. agriculture. This paper explores the historical, legal, scientific, and practical dimensions of pesticide registration and endangered species protection. FIFRA requires EPA to balance pesticide benefits against risks to human health and the environment, while ESA mandates absolute protection of listed species without risk-benefit considerations. These differing statutory objectives have led to decades of procedural inefficiencies, litigation, and regulatory uncertainty. The paper reviews the evolution of consultation processes, including the ESA Workplan, Vulnerable Species Pilot Program, and Herbicide Strategy, and evaluates their scientific and economic implications. Key obstacles include resource limitations, litigation-driven timelines, and lack of harmonization between FIFRA’s national risk assessments and ESA’s species-specific evaluations. Recommendations emphasize integrating higher-tier science, improving species mapping, leveraging conservation programs, and fostering stakeholder collaboration to develop practical, science-based mitigation strategies that protect endangered species while sustaining agricultural productivity.
subject: CAST Issue Papers
  topic: section
subject: FIFRA
  topic: keywords
subject: Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  topic: keywords
subject: Pesticide regulation
  topic: keywords
subject: Section 7 consultation
  topic: keywords
subject: Biological evaluation (BE)
  topic: keywords
subject: Biological opinion (BiOp)
  topic: keywords
subject: Risk assessment
  topic: keywords
subject: Herbicide Strategy
  topic: keywords
subject: Vulnerable Species Pilot Program
  topic: keywords
subject: Mitigation measures
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental Law and Policy
  topic: disciplines
subject: Regulatory Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agricultural Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Ecology and Conservation Biology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Toxicology and Environmental Chemistry
  topic: disciplines
subject: Economics and Agricultural Business
  topic: disciplines
subject: Data Science and Geospatial Analysis
  topic: disciplines
subject: Public Administration and Stakeholder Engagement
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Engineering
  topic: disciplines
creator: Bernalyn McGaughey
creator: Brigit Rollins
creator: Taylor Randell-Singleton
creator: Ashlea Frank
creator: Valery Forbes
creator: David Epstein
creator: Leah Duzy
creator: Richard Brain
creator: Gary Bahr
creator: Michael Aerts
creator: Stanley Culpepper
creator: Michael Willett
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2024-04-17
publication date: 2024-04-17
doi: 10.62300/PHFR4168

Impacts of Soil Health Practices on Hydrologic Processes
type: item
description: Soil health, defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem, plays a critical role in agricultural productivity, water quality, and climate resilience. This paper synthesizes current research on the impacts of soil health practices—such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, and residue management—on hydrologic processes within agricultural and urban systems. These practices influence water infiltration, storage, and movement through the soil-water-atmosphere continuum, reducing runoff, erosion, and surface water contamination while potentially moderating flood risks. Enhanced soil organic matter (SOM) and aggregate stability improve water holding capacity and infiltration, contributing to drought resilience and crop productivity. However, effects on groundwater recharge remain uncertain due to limited long-term data. The paper also explores the interplay between soil health and climate change, highlighting how improved soil management can mitigate adverse hydrologic impacts of extreme weather events. Policy implications emphasize adaptive governance and integration of farmer-led and indigenous practices to scale soil health adoption. Overall, soil health practices offer significant potential to enhance ecosystem services, water quality, and societal resilience in the face of climate variability.
subject: CAST Issue Papers
  topic: section
subject: Soil health
  topic: keywords
subject: Hydrologic cycle
  topic: keywords
subject: Water infiltration
  topic: keywords
subject: Soil organic matter (SOM)
  topic: keywords
subject: Aggregate stability
  topic: keywords
subject: Cover crops
  topic: keywords
subject: No-tillage
  topic: keywords
subject: Water storage
  topic: keywords
subject: Groundwater recharge
  topic: keywords
subject: Surface water quality
  topic: keywords
subject: Climate change adaptation
  topic: keywords
subject: Flood and drought resilience
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: Soil Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Hydrology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agronomy and Crop Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Climate Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Civil and Environmental Engineering
  topic: disciplines
subject: Policy and Governance
  topic: disciplines
subject: Economics and Social Sciences
  topic: disciplines
creator: Briana Wyatt
creator: Antonio Arenas
creator: Jerry Hatfield
creator: Ken Wacha
creator: Rattan Lal
creator: Hannah Birge
creator: Gary Schnitkey
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2024-05-15
publication date: 2024-05-15
doi: 10.62300/QEOG5785

Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative
type: item
description: This report explores the potential for U.S. agriculture to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) neutrality or become GHG-negative by integrating current and emerging practices across crop and livestock systems. Agriculture contributes approximately 10% of total U.S. GHG emissions, primarily through carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The analysis identifies five major opportunity areas: soil carbon management, nitrogen fertilizer management, animal production and manure handling, crop production efficiency, and on-farm energy use. Adoption of regenerative practices—such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, precision nutrient management, and improved feed systems—combined with renewable energy technologies could reduce emissions by 80–90% under medium adoption scenarios and achieve net-negative emissions with aggressive implementation. The report emphasizes the need for on-farm demonstrations, technical support, and policy incentives to overcome economic and technological barriers. Achieving GHG-negative agriculture would not only mitigate climate impacts but also enhance soil health, water retention, and production resilience, positioning U.S. agriculture as a global model for sustainable food systems.
subject: Special Publications
  topic: section
subject: Greenhouse gas mitigation
  topic: keywords
subject: Carbon sequestration
  topic: keywords
subject: Regenerative agriculture
  topic: keywords
subject: Nitrogen management
  topic: keywords
subject: Soil health
  topic: keywords
subject: Animal production systems
  topic: keywords
subject: Renewable energy in agriculture
  topic: keywords
subject: Climate-smart farming
  topic: keywords
subject: Yield gap reduction
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainable food systems
  topic: keywords
creator: Charles W. Rice
creator: Kim Stackhouse-Lawson
creator: Logan Thompson
creator: Tom L. Richard
creator: Greg Thoma
creator: Rob Anex
creator: Alex Nichols-Vinueza
creator: Julia Borland
creator: Leigh Prezkop
creator: Ermias Kebreab
creator: Romulo P. Lollato
creator: Deanna Osmond
creator: Marty D. Matlock
creator: Elizabeth Ellis
creator: Amy Swan
creator: Keith Paustian
creator: G. Philip Robertson
creator: Bruno Basso
creator: Jerry L. Hatfield
creator: Elizabeth Ainsworth
creator: Pete Pearson
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2024-11-12
publication date: 2024-11-12
doi: 10.62300/tfraya48

AI in Agriculture: Opportunities, Challenges, and Recommendations
type: item
description: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming agriculture by enabling data-driven decision-making, automation, and predictive analytics across the food and agricultural system. Advances in machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and sensor technologies have expanded the ability of producers, researchers, and agribusinesses to monitor crops and livestock, optimize inputs, and respond to environmental variability with unprecedented precision. This report examines the current and emerging applications of AI in agriculture, including crop and livestock monitoring, precision management, yield prediction, disease and pest detection, automation, and supply chain optimization. It explores the data sources, algorithms, and digital infrastructure that underpin AI-driven systems, as well as the role of AI in enhancing sustainability, productivity, and resilience under climate and resource constraints. The report also addresses key challenges associated with AI adoption in agriculture, including data quality and availability, model transparency, workforce readiness, cybersecurity, equity, and ethical considerations. By synthesizing recent research and real-world applications, this report provides an overview of how artificial intelligence can support more efficient, sustainable, and resilient agricultural systems, while highlighting research, policy, and extension needs critical for responsible and effective implementation.
subject: CAST Issue Papers
  topic: section
subject: Artificial intelligence
  topic: keywords
subject: Machine learning
  topic: keywords
subject: Precision agriculture
  topic: keywords
subject: Digital agriculture
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural automation
  topic: keywords
subject: Decision support systems
  topic: keywords
subject: Big data in agriculture
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainability
  topic: keywords
creator: Alex Thomasson
creator: Jeff Vitale
creator: Luis Tedeschi
creator: Robert Strong
creator: Carlos M. Rodriguez Lopez
creator: Martin Peterson
creator: Seth Murray
creator: Ezekiel McReynolds
creator: Thanos Gentimis
creator: Andres Ferreyra
creator: Mahendra Bhandari
creator: Yiannis Ampatzidis
creator: Xinyue Ye
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-03-31
publication date: 2025-03-31
doi: 10.62300/IAAG042514

Precision Irrigation Management
type: item
description: Water scarcity, climate variability, and increasing competition for water resources pose significant challenges to global food production. Irrigation remains a critical tool for stabilizing and enhancing agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, but must be managed more efficiently to meet future food demands with limited water supplies. Precision irrigation integrates site-specific water application, advanced sensing technologies, decision support systems, and automation to apply the right amount of water at the right time and place. This report examines the principles, technologies, and applications of precision irrigation across gravity, sprinkler, and microirrigation systems. It reviews variable rate irrigation, soil- and plant-based sensing, evapotranspiration monitoring, irrigation scheduling tools, and complementary technologies such as fertigation and data-driven decision support systems. The report also evaluates the agronomic, environmental, and economic benefits of precision irrigation, as well as current adoption levels and barriers to wider implementation. By synthesizing recent research and practical experiences, this report highlights how precision irrigation can improve water productivity, enhance crop performance, and increase resilience to climate change. It concludes with an assessment of future research, extension, and education needs required to accelerate adoption and maximize the benefits of precision irrigation in modern agriculture.
subject: CAST Issue Papers
  topic: section
subject: Precision irrigation
  topic: keywords
subject: Variable rate irrigation
  topic: keywords
subject: Irrigation scheduling
  topic: keywords
subject: Water use efficiency
  topic: keywords
subject: Evapotranspiration
  topic: keywords
subject: Soil moisture sensing
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural water management
  topic: keywords
subject: Climate resilience
  topic: keywords
creator: Suat Irmak
creator: Aghil Yari
creator: Manuel Andrade-Rodriguez
creator: Dana Porter
creator: Isaya Kisekka
creator: Meetpal Kukal
creator: Susan O’Shaughnessy
creator: Hsin-Hui Huang
creator: Viacheslav Adamchuk
creator: Jonathan Aguilar
creator: Chandra Madramootoo
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-04
publication date: 2025-11-04
doi: 10.62300/6b9hf011

Animal and Plant Sourced Proteins as Part of a Balanced Human Diet
type: item
description: This paper examines the role of animal- and plant-sourced proteins in achieving a balanced human diet, emphasizing the importance of amino acid (AA) composition and digestibility rather than protein quantity alone. It reviews dietary requirements for essential and nonessential AAs across life stages and compares the nutritional quality of common protein sources, including cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds, meat, dairy, eggs, and emerging alternatives such as insects, algae, and cultured proteins. The discussion highlights complementary protein strategies for vegetarians and vegans, global disparities in protein supply, and future demand projections driven by population growth and evolving dietary preferences. Environmental impacts of protein production—such as nitrogen emissions, greenhouse gas contributions, and land use—are analyzed alongside sustainability considerations. The paper concludes that a balanced mix of plant and animal proteins, supported by sustainable practices and innovative sources, is essential for meeting nutritional needs while minimizing ecological footprints.
subject: CAST Issue Papers
  topic: section
subject: protein nutrition
  topic: keywords
subject: amino acids
  topic: keywords
subject: animal-sourced proteins
  topic: keywords
subject: plant-sourced proteins
  topic: keywords
subject: complementary proteins
  topic: keywords
subject: dietary requirements
  topic: keywords
subject: protein quality
  topic: keywords
subject: global protein supply
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainable protein sources
  topic: keywords
subject: environmental impact
  topic: keywords
subject: Nutrition and Dietetics
  topic: disciplines
subject: Food Science and Technology
  topic: disciplines
subject: Animal Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Agricultural Science
  topic: disciplines
subject: Environmental Science / Sustainability Studies
  topic: disciplines
subject: Public Health
  topic: disciplines
subject: Food Policy and Economics
  topic: disciplines
creator: Shengfa F. Liao
creator: Jeffery K. Tomberlin
creator: Samer W. El-Kadi
creator: Luis O. Tedeschi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-13
publication date: 2025-11-13
doi: 10.62300/1zd2tn81