Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)
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.
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Impacto del Principio Precautorio en la Alimentación de las Generaciones Actuales y Futuras
Este documento analiza críticamente el Principio Precautorio (PP) y su creciente influencia en las políticas relacionadas con los alimentos y la agricultura. Aunque el PP surgió como una herramienta destinada a proteger la salud humana y el ambiente ante la incertidumbre científica, los autores muestran que, en la práctica, su ambigüedad, falta de criterios claros y aplicación arbitraria lo han convertido en un obstáculo para la innovación y la seguridad alimentaria. Mediante estudios de caso sobre agroquímicos, alimentos modificados genéticamente e irradiación de alimentos, el informe evidencia que una aplicación estricta del PP puede generar más riesgos de los que previene: limita tecnologías más seguras que sus predecesoras, frena el desarrollo agrícola, afecta el comercio internacional y retrasa la adopción de innovaciones esenciales para enfrentar el aumento proyectado en la demanda global de alimentos. Los autores destacan que la aplicación selectiva y politizada del PP ha impedido la difusión de cultivos con beneficios comprobados —como el arroz dorado o la berenjena Bt— y obstaculiza tecnologías que podrían reducir enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos, aumentar la productividad agrícola y mejorar la nutrición mundial. Concluyen que el PP, tal como se utiliza actualmente, no ofrece una base racional para la gestión de riesgos y, en muchos casos, produce efectos contraproducentes para la salud pública, el ambiente y el desarrollo económico. En su lugar, proponen una estrategia equilibrada —la “estrategia de Ricitos de Oro”— que aplique la cantidad justa de precaución, basada en evidencia científica y en un análisis proporcional de riesgos y beneficios.
Copyright (c) 2020 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Importance of Communicating Empirically Based Science for Society
This commentary examines the growing societal challenges posed by misinformation in an era where scientific advances have dramatically improved human health, food security, and quality of life. Despite the proven benefits of empirically based science—from vaccines and antibiotics to modern crop biotechnology—public trust in science is being eroded by the rapid spread of inaccurate and sensationalized information, amplified by digital media and activist-driven narratives. The authors outline how misinformation undermines evidence-based decision-making, distorts public perceptions of risk, and imposes substantial economic, environmental, and human costs, such as delayed adoption of beneficial technologies and impeded agricultural innovation. The paper clarifies the principles of empirical science, describes the peer‑review process, and highlights how shifts in scientific publishing—especially the rise of predatory journals and open-access pressures—have complicated public understanding of research quality. It further analyzes how anti‑technology activism and media framing contribute to public confusion about GMOs, gene editing, and other agricultural innovations, despite extensive scientific consensus regarding their safety and sustainability. The authors argue that countering misinformation requires improved science communication, stronger trust-building between scientists and the public, interdisciplinary approaches to research, and institutional investment in training researchers to convey scientific evidence effectively. With misinformation now functioning as a profitable business model for activist groups, a coordinated, modernized communication strategy is essential to safeguard scientific progress, support sound policy, and ensure society continues to benefit from innovation.
Food Biofortification—Reaping the Benefits of Science to Overcome Hidden Hunger
Micronutrient deficiencies affect more than two billion people worldwide, particularly in low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMICs), where dietary quality is limited by low consumption of nutrient‑dense foods. Biofortification—enhancing the vitamin and mineral content of staple crops through conventional breeding, agronomic practices, or genetic engineering—offers a cost‑effective and sustainable strategy to address this “hidden hunger.” This paper synthesizes nearly two decades of evidence from the HarvestPlus program and partner institutions on the development, bioavailability, efficacy, and large‑scale dissemination of biofortified crops. Controlled feeding trials consistently demonstrate that biofortified varieties of beans, pearl millet, rice, maize, cassava, and sweet potato provide significantly more absorbable iron, zinc, and provitamin A than conventional counterparts, improving micronutrient status and, in some cases, cognitive and physical performance. More than 340 biofortified varieties have been released across 40 countries, with more than 15 million farming households growing them. Delivery models and demand‑creation strategies—especially for visible traits such as provitamin A carotenoids—have shown high consumer acceptance. Cost‑effectiveness analyses indicate that biofortification often delivers greater health impact per dollar than many standard nutrition interventions. The paper also evaluates future scientific opportunities, including improved biomarkers, enhanced bioavailability traits, and the role of transgenic and genome‑editing technologies in advancing multi‑nutrient biofortification. Integrating biofortification into national policies, seed systems, and food value chains is essential for achieving resilient, nutrition‑smart food systems capable of improving diets sustainably, particularly in the context of climate change and global health disruptions such as COVID‑19.
Ground and Aerial Robots for Agricultural Production: Opportunities and Challenges
Rapid advances in automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are reshaping agricultural production. This paper examines the emerging roles of ground and aerial robotic systems—unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned aerial systems (UASs), and robotic manipulators—in crop and livestock systems. Robots now offer novel opportunities to improve labor efficiency, enhance precision in input management, reduce environmental impacts, and increase productivity across row crops, specialty crops, and animal agriculture. UGVs enable continuous, highly precise field operations while reducing soil compaction and offering scalable, swarm-based solutions. UASs provide high‑resolution sensing capabilities for crop monitoring, disease detection, and targeted input application. Robotic manipulators are advancing tasks such as automated milking, fruit harvesting, weeding, and livestock monitoring. Despite their potential, widespread adoption is challenged by technical barriers (e.g., autonomy, machine vision, sensor integration), economic feasibility, limited rural broadband connectivity, and evolving regulatory, liability, and data privacy concerns. The paper highlights key enabling technologies—including AI, machine vision, big data infrastructure, and interoperability standards—and emphasizes the need for workforce training that integrates agricultural, engineering, and data science skills. Ultimately, the deployment of agricultural robots promises to transform farming into a more efficient, data-driven, and sustainable system, provided that economic, technical, and policy challenges are addressed.
The Role of Agricultural Science and Technology in Climate 21 Project Implementation
This commentary evaluates how agricultural science and technology can support implementation of the federal Climate 21 Project, which positions the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a central actor in national climate mitigation and resilience strategies. Agriculture and forestry are highlighted as the only major sectors capable of becoming net greenhouse gas sinks, offering substantial potential to help the United States reach net‑zero emissions by 2050 through soil carbon sequestration, improved nutrient management, reduced tillage, and strengthened crop and livestock systems. The document synthesizes scientific knowledge and identifies opportunities to scale climate‑smart practices across plant, soil, animal, and food systems. Key strategies include conservation agriculture to improve soil health and water efficiency; precision nutrient, water, and pest management to reduce nitrous oxide emissions; integrated pest management and conservation tillage to cut fuel use and enhance carbon storage; and innovations in animal agriculture that target methane mitigation, improved feed efficiency, and whole‑farm greenhouse gas modeling. The commentary also highlights emerging tools such as precision agriculture, remote sensing, advanced breeding, and improved soil carbon measurement technologies that can accelerate adoption and strengthen measurement, reporting, and verification.
Copyright (c) 2021 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Gains Foregone by Going GMO FGains Foregone by Going GMO Free: Potential Impacts on Consumers, the Environment, and Agricultural Producersree: Potential Impacts on Consumers, the Environment, and Agricultural Producers
This paper examines the societal, environmental, and economic implications of eliminating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) from agricultural production systems. GMOs have enabled significant advancements in food security, yield stability, pest and disease management, and environmental sustainability over the past three decades. The authors synthesize evidence demonstrating that GMO crops reduce pesticide use, lower toxicity exposure, conserve land through higher yields, and support conservation tillage practices that enhance soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, removing GMO traits would increase global land‑use pressure, raise pesticide applications, elevate food prices, and reduce farmer income—effects that would be particularly harmful for low‑income consumers and developing regions. The analysis highlights how GMOs contribute to human health through reduced mycotoxin levels and emerging biofortified crops, such as Golden Rice, which address micronutrient deficiencies. Additionally, the paper identifies how regulatory delays and trade barriers restrict innovation and contribute to global welfare losses. Overall, the findings indicate that foregoing GMO technology would impose substantial economic, environmental, and public‑health costs, underscoring the importance of science‑based policy frameworks that enable continued innovation and adoption of genetically engineered and gene‑edited crops. [QTA2021-2-GMO-Free-1 | PDF]
Goals, Strengths and Limitations Governing the Use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Food and Agriculture
This paper examines the goals, strengths, and limitations of using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) within food and agricultural systems. It outlines how LCA provides a systematic, science‑based approach for quantifying environmental impacts across complex agricultural supply chains, enabling improved decision-making, transparency, and sustainability performance. The authors describe the methodological foundations of LCA—including goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory development, and impact assessment—while emphasizing challenges such as data quality, uncertainty, system boundary selection, and allocation procedures. Although LCA cannot address normative or ethical questions, it remains a powerful tool for identifying environmental hotspots, evaluating trade‑offs, and guiding policy and management strategies. The paper concludes by identifying research needs in areas such as big data integration, advanced greenhouse gas modeling, geospatial analysis, and improved uncertainty characterization to enhance the reliability and relevance of LCA in agriculture.
Copyright (c) 2022 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Zoonotic Diseases in Animal Agriculture and Beyond: A One Health Perspective
*]: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.
Food Traceability: Current Status and Future Opportunities
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 also address current infrastructure limitations that may slow technology implementation, including the current state of rural broadband access. This publication is a joint effort between CAST (Council for Agricultural Science and Technology) and IFT (Institute of Food Technologists).
Copyright (c) 2026 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Ionizing Energy in Food Processing and Pest Control: I. Wholesomeness of Food Treated With Ionizing Energy
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.
Copyright (c) 1986 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
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]”
Convergence of Agriculture and Energy: II. Producing Cellulosic Biomass for Biofuels
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.
Food Waste Across the Supply Chain: A U.S. Perspective on a Global Problem
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.
Gene Flow in Alfalfa: Biology, Mitigation, and Potential Impact on Production
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.
Copyright (c) 2019 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Impact of the Precautionary Principle on the Nutrition of Current and Future Generations
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.
FIFRA and the Endangered Species Act: Finding a Balance between Agricultural Efficiency, Environmental Sustainability, and Regulatory Stability
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.
A Legal Discussion of the FIFRA/ESA Consultation Process Over Time
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.
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
Improving the FIFRA/ESA Process by Addressing Key Obstacles and Incorporating Better Data and Tools
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.
Developing and Adopting Economically Effective Pesticide Mitigation Strategies: Critical to the Survival of Agriculture and Endangered Species
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.
FIFRA, ESA and Pesticide Consultation: Identifying and Overcoming the Complexities from a Growers Perspective
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.
State Regulatory Agencies as Conduit for Informing Local Conditions in Federal Pesticide Processes
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.
Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP)
Pesticide Certification and Training (C&T)
Agricultural Science and Pest Management
Public Administration and Cooperative Governance
Copyright (c) 2024 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
RNA Interference in Agriculture: Methods, Applications, and Governance
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.
Nanotechnology (for RNA delivery systems)
Applications, Benefits, and Challenges of Genome Edited Crops
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.
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Social Science (Consumer Behavior and Public Perception)
Preventing the Next Plant Invasion: Opportunities and Challenges
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.
FIFRA, ESA, and Pesticide Consultation: Understanding and Addressing the Complexities
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.
Public Administration and Stakeholder Engagement
Impacts of Soil Health Practices on Hydrologic Processes
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.
Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative
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.
AI in Agriculture: Opportunities, Challenges, and Recommendations
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
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.
Animal and Plant Sourced Proteins as Part of a Balanced Human Diet
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.
Environmental Science / Sustainability Studies