Q1 - What issues in scientific literacy and public perception are important to understand as we
develop our 2016-2020 strategic agenda?
Summary:
 There are many responses to this question that relate to agricultural challenges and issues in
general or specific topics that stakeholders feel that the public is not educated about (ex:
organic foods, GMO safety). I have tried to group the comments that are more related to
scientific literacy and public perception vs general issues.
 There is a common theme that scientific community/CAST needs to work on overcoming the
public’s distrust of science (science for sale), and improving communication and education. The
public needs to understand the value of the peer review process and how to recognize junk
science.
 We (scientists) need to develop our ability to tell the story of science, rather than the facts of
science, and we (scientists) need a better appreciation for how people make decisions about
supporting or opposing something in their world.
Comments more related to scientific literacy and public perception:
 The average household accepts science when it agrees with their own bias. We need a way for
the average person to try science and when they desire knowledge that they turn to a reputable
source
 need to produce materials in a way that is more in line with how people are getting their
information
there are some new models being developed that are worth exploring to see if there are
possible partnerships
http://allianceforscience.cornell.edu
 Is science for sale? How can we maintain public trust of science when we are forced to seed the
highest bidder for our scientific research?
 Overcoming the general distrust of science and risk assessment, responding to those who
advocate precautionary principals, and diminishing the growing role of "know nothing" bloggers
in this phenomenon.
 conveying how the scientific method works and encouraging critical thinking
 Develop a greater understanding of how the peer review process works. The general public
thinks that research results are bought and paid for by the sponsor. (If only it were that easy! Ha
Ha Ha!) Also, more information on how recognize junk science.
 How do we address the belittling of science and dismissive attitude towards science as a
legitimate tool for policy making.
 The reality that much of the public will not be influenced at all by facts surrounding ag and its
sciences.
 Recent work from our lab says that we critically need to teach college educated women more
about crop genetic improvement. They object to GMO, but also mutagenesis, wide crosses, any
changes to genes. They need to learn how plant genetics are improved.
 we (scientists) need to develop our ability to tell the story of science, rather than the facts of
science
And we (scientists) need a better appreciation for how people make decisions about supporting
or opposing something in their world
 The distinction between evidence and values or evidence and belief
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There are so few people in agriculture that the general public has an inaccurate perception of
agriculture. Agricultural policy will be dominated by non-Ag forces.
How to communicate science information to the general public.
how science is helping save and nourish lives.
--communicating to the lay audience
--blending info across different association, groups, subject matter, disciplines, etc. into one
document or voice
--correcting the partial scientific community (e.g. UN FAO Livestock Long Shadow) which sends
out misl
Since science is poorly understood by most of the general public, and poorly taught in most
schools, the need will grow for journalists and scientists to deliver layman-friendly articles on
technology, based on facts - in a wide variety of venues.
Public trust in science and scientists seems to be declining. Opinions run rampant on the
internet and are often presented as facts. It seems that a campaign to teach grade school
children how to distinguish between scientific facts and conjecture may be needed.
CAST needs to become much more even in its reporting of ag and food system issues. It needs to
present a holistic and unbiased science and knowledge based picture of ag and food systems
Importance of enabling scientists to develop appropriate communication abilities to be able to
articulate the importance of plant science for the future
How do we instill a confidence in the scientific process to the public at large? How do we
communicate scientific discoveries in a manner that is comprehensible to the public?
Using the recent Pew Science Literacy survey as a guide--the lack of basic science knowledge is a
major concern. How can science be brought into the issues--human vaccines, use of GMO
technologies, effective stewardship of water and soil?
The inconvenient truths about organic agriculture
You need to go after the tree hugger organizations and shine the light on their lies and
misinformation they disseminate.
The proliferation of pseudoscience and planned experimentation to support certain believes and
viewpoints both confuses the public and casts (no pun intended) doubt on whether
science/scientists cannot be trusted. This doubt is reinforced by growing belief that public
scientists are mere puppets of industry. Declining scientific integrity, sadly.
General Comments to Q1:
 How change in land use and cover type affect the nation's ability to produce food and other
ecosystem services. For example, what is the influence of exurban development?
 The grand challenge of food production will have to be solved with technological advancements
in agriculture, sustainable intensification of production, and elimination of crop and food waste.
 reduction of non point source P and N water pollution
 The safety of genetically modified organisms for food and medicine. Health effects of nitrate in
all water bodies. The value of soil for human sustainability. Public policy that rewards
environmental performance--not production.
 Water quality
Grazing relationship to environmental quality
Role of livestock in supplying nutrients for human well being
Fitting US production into the world food supply
 Is there data supporting the popular conception that organically produced food is more
nutritious than non-organically produced food?
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GMOs
2) Organic Ag and safety, e.g., public does not understand organic is a marketing policy and NOT
a safety policy.
3) Ag and its role in environmental stewardship (e.g., California and water quality and use
issues).
Antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial use in animal agriculture
Production enhancement in agriculture
Animal welfare
co-existence, the role of GMOs in our society
Are land grant universities lost as research centers for Agriculture?
What is their role in 2020?
How will we train ag researchers in 2020?
The role of agriculture in both the reduction and conservation of pollinators, GMOs benefits and
risks for agriculture and society, agricultural water use, agriculture and climate change, and
sustainability of economic, social, and environmental components of agriculture
pesticide residues
GMOs
Value of GMOs in food production.
Importance or economic sustainability in farming.
Value of livestock in food production.
Understanding pesticide safety and GMO safety.
Socioeconomic factors inhibiting farmers’ adoption of widespread conservation practices.
Timely technology transfer of information, tools, techniques from universities to producers
regarding conservation practices.
Easily accessed water quality data for a farmer to see the results of his/her conservation
practices.
GMOs
Monarch butterfly
Pollinators in general
Use of unmanned aircraft in agriculture
Product safety - crop protection
Need for more diversity in weed control
Genetic engineering: continue to show how anti cherry pick good data for their use.
Precautionary principle, GMO safety, pesticide safety,
Politicians these days talk much about improving the economic position of the middle class. If
enacted, what would be the impact of such policies on farming and more generally on
agribusinesses?
Multi-functionality in agriculture has been defined by the OECD, advanced by Europe and
considered a non-trade concern in the WTO. Yet, U.S. policy on multifunctional agriculture is
ambiguous and the concept is not well understood by the U.S. public. CAST may wish to address
the issue given challenges of global food security and climate change.
o Public knowledge regarding role of science and technology in the modern food
production
2. Role of public sector research in crop improvement and the importance of
government investment
3. GMO safety
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4. Where does our food come from
5. Basic research in plants is relevant to biomedical research (genetic principles
governing heritability...
Some aspects of agriculture do not respond to simple supply & demand market functions that
are easily reversible: i.e. land-use conversions and career choices.
agricultural biodiversity
climate change
water quality, especially measuring levels of water pollution from a variety of sources
Consumers do not have an accurate understanding of genetically engineered crops: We must
counter the myths, the fears, the ignorance and encourage "on-the-street" acceptance.
Antimicrobial use and resistance
Agroecology, all forms of sustainable agriculture, contribution of the industrial ag model to
Climate Change and environmental human and economic health.
human population explosion and how to encourage control
use of water by agriculture and how it benefits everyone vs city usage
In my opinion the grand challenges: food security, water security, energy security in the context
of climate change and sustainability.
Methods to convey science on GMO's, Organically produced products vs inorganically produced,
innovations in food production, etc. so that public consumption is readily available and the
information is believable.
The prevention and control of diseases of economic importance affecting crops, poultry and
livestock.
role and limits of science in agricultural and environmental policy. Food safety, invasive species,
water policy. The role of agriculture in solving societal problems.
Antimicrobial resistance
2. Regulations on the control and use of antimicrobial in farm animals
3. CAFO and animal behavior
4. Role of USHS in decision making on how to produce food
Plants protect themselves by chemical warfare. They produce natural herbicides and insecticides
that we consume. "Organic" food is not free of chemical pesticides. 99.99% of the pesticides we
eat are "all natural". The biggest pesticide manufacture in the world is Mother Nature. We
applaud those scientists in the medical field that
The issue of GMO and Transgenic on crop safety and their impact on meeting the food needs
around the world.
Climate change impacts on production agriculture (including animal ag) and agriculture's impact
on climate change
Pollinator safety
Food safety
Antibiotic resistance
Dosage regarding toxicity
Understanding research: correlation versus causation
Climate Change and Agriculture/Sustainability?
Organic Certifications - is organic better?
Food Security/World Health and governmental stability around the world...will the next war or
regional conflict be about food security and not religious ideology? How will Agriculture in the
United States be affected as China becomes a super power?
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Climate change and its impact upon agricultural production systems.
Globalization of the food supply and impacts upon food quality, safety, and inspection.
The influence of social media on risk communication
Climate change
Analyses of Climate Change process and actual and potential impacts on food production and
life in general
The increasing power and influence of large-scale and integrated agribusiness in food
production
relationship between agricultural productivity and human nutrition; resiliency versus efficiency;
true costs of food production; nutritional value of varied food products (e.g. animal sourced
foods)
Food safety and food affordability
Water quality associated with human activities has ignored the filtering properties of
agricultural soils. Diverse water storage and filtration using low lying ag lands that are not
farmed was started, but no recycling of these lands back into intensive ag means nutrient
buildup and no nutrient uses for crop production. Storm water treatment Areas.
Impact of climate change, rising sea level and saltwater infusion to coastal agriculture.
How do we keep up with this ever changing world? The One who knows is not telling. I wish I
could help.
GMOs, food safety, pesticides in food, safety of agrochemicals, industrial farming
Food security, biotechnology, animal husbandry, land use/farmland preservation, use of
genetics and cloning, on-farm, de-centralized alternative/renewable energy production,
watershed management, crop efficiency, GMO labeling, "artificial" food production, agricultural
diversity, climate change impact on farming, and food safety from farm to table.
Q2 - What issues in technology (GMO's, crop protection, etc.) are important to understand as we
develop our 2016-2020 strategic agenda?
Summary:
By far the most common response was related to GMOs (use, safety, risks, benefits, labeling). Other
common responses include pest management, pesticide safety, herbicide resistance, use of
drones/unmanned devices, satellite images, modern livestock production practices, antibiotic
resistance, expansion of renewable energy, smart water use, etc. Then considering the effect of these
technologies on the environment, ecosystems, human health, etc. as well as the importance of these
technologies in producing an abundant and healthy food supply.
Comments:
 Refer to the answer to question 1. The consumer wants technology that pays benefits for the
entire food chain, not just reducing input cost for the farmer or livestock producer. We also
need to have an elevator speech that can be used to explain the technology
 Herbicide resistant weeds.
Emerging pests to production of food and fiber.
Lack of symmetry between breeds of beef cattle and the environment typical of grazing,
especially on less productive land and harsh environmental conditions (i.e., rangeland and
drought).
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P reclaiming from nutrient storage units
P removal from field and tile drainage
Feeding the world population while sustaining all natural resources. Global climate change and
quantifying impacts.
Perhaps need to keep it really simple - all production systems face pests - how does agriculture
cope with these?
I think all technologies are under threat - for a really frightening listen try this link and listen:
http://www.ediblegeography.com/gastropod-no-scrubs/
Need to tell the environmental story of improved productivity
Product labeling of food items containing GMO's will become an increasingly politically
important topic. Should the marketplace decide this issue?
GMOs
2) Crop Protection as it relates to public perception and risk assessment (e.g., honey bees and
pesticides).
Use/safety of GMO's
Use/safety of hormones in animal agriculture
GMO, pesticide safety understanding
How can we better position technology to serve small farmers?
GMOs, of course, but increasingly the use of drones and satellite imaging, monitoring for
invasive species, and crowd-sourcing and analyzing (and ownership) of big data
all technologies have costs and benefits which should be objectively quantified
Focus on the advantages of modern technology in terms of feeding the growing human
population. This is going to include GMOs, modern livestock production practices including
caged layers, farrowing crates, feedlots, etc. And how "organic" agriculture can't possibly meet
the needs of this country, let alone the world.
The concept of a hazard as a risk as opposed to hazard plus exposure.
Debunking the risk of GMOs.
More emphasis on the benefits of GMOs.
Cutting edge GMOs will be the issue for our scientists. All GMOs will be the issue for the public,
including our legislators.
GMO, risk/benefit of ag chemicals, etc. However, I think the "shelved" technologies are the
most important to bring to the public's attention.
GMO's (see above)
biological resistance to herbicides
biological resistance to antibiotics
Safety of the U.S. System for protecting consumers. Fallacy of the arguments against GMOs.
GMO, plant breeding
The interaction of crop protection chemicals with the environment.
GMO's will continue to occupy a lot of discussions.
Growing anti-GMO movement in the US.
Adaptation for the effects of climate change.
Safety of GMOs - and how to communicate
Safety of crop protection products and how to communicate
The story behind Monarch butterflies
The benefits of managing for pollinators in general
RNAi adoption
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Labeling processed (mixed ingredient foods) for GMO content is a nightmare of cost and
difficulty. This message is not understood by the general public. Ingredients need sometimes to
be checked for toxins before FDA approval but only before release. Policies need to be clarified
before being applied broadly.
--food safety
--water usage
--animal care (welfare)
Numerous disruptive geospatial Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have
evolved over the past decade. CAST should review them with an eye to their impact on
agriculture in the U.S. and abroad. Demand for digital verification and certification systems of
agroecological practices will certainly increase overtime.
o Genome editing in ag
2. GMOs
3. Utilization of advanced computing and technology in agricultural research and food
production
4. Unmanned Arial Vehicles
5. Regulatory costs of bringing new crops (conventional and biotech) to market
6. Precision Ag
7. Use of microbial inoculum to aid in crop growth and disease resistance
Trade-offs in risks and uncertainties associated with different technology choices.
Soil functions in a variable climate and variable soil cove
Regular measurement of water quality across the landscape.
After, potable water, nothing is more important than an abundant and healthy food supply.
The European mindset about crop production is finding their way to the US. It’s imperative that
we work harder to engage the public and help them understand risk/reward much better as it
relates to GMO crops, pesticides and the realities of organic production.
Yes, I repeat this answer here.
Consumers do not have an accurate understanding of genetically engineered crops: We must
counter the myths, the fears, the ignorance and encourage "on-the-street" acceptance.
food safety
there is way too much one sided info on GMOs (the pro side) and not enough on the real
problems in agriculture and the food systems. Not enough on the bases of sustainable and
,multifunctional and also family and small holder agriculture, solutions that tackle the cause,
rather than the ever expanding symptom treatments with pesticides and GMOs
The evolution of genetic technologies that will blur the lines between conventional breeding,
mutation and engineering
renewal energy becoming more mainstream
GMOs and how it is affecting trade and our natural environment
the use of monoculture
pesticide usage and effects
I see unmanned devices (UAVs and ground-based) as critical. This includes planting, spraying
and harvesting of crops.
The most important technology that holds the possibly of transforming agricultural production
to the levels needed to meet the global demands is the GMO sector.
New useful products for humanity--medications, plant adaptability, etc. Detail their use and
safety.
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The epidemiology of diseases of economic importance affecting poultry and livestock.
The adoption of biosecurity measures to protect commercial and non-commercial poultry from
avian influenza.
the value of science in problem solving Safety of GMO in food
2. Answer the question of glycophosate (is it safe)
We applaud those medical biochemists that can alter one molecule in a reaction and produce a
life-saving antibiotic. Yet when a plant physiologist does that to create an extremely safe
herbicide, it is called a "toxic chemical".
Meeting the issues of seed, fertility and protection costs to produce improved crops--an issue
we faced with the Green Revolution.
GMOs; crop protection; water use; soil biology; resistance management-in weeds, insects and
pathogens.
GMO's
Crop Protection
How to transfer the technologies to do precision agriculture to production sites that are efficient
and cost effective.
GMOs
Pollinator health
pesticide related Food safety
GMO foods
Vaccine development
GMOs
a.) GMO's - labeling and educating/informing the public b.) Implementing Water and soil
conservation technologies c.) Dealing with increased levels of pollution in the US and around the
world d. banking genes - how are we preserving the genetics of present animal and plant
varieties?
e. Preserving public lands f. Expansion of solar/wind power programs
GMOs will continue to be a divisive issue that can be addressed well by CAST. Food preservation
methods for developing nations are important and needs further attention.
Role of robots and drones
Development of adaptable crop and animal strains and species to flourish in changing
environments
Smart water use
Conserving natural/wild fisheries
impact of agricultural technologies on ecosystem services; impact of technologies on human
health
The tide of public perception and opinion is rapidly turning against agricultural technology,
especially GMO's. Unfortunately, it may take catastrophic food shortages or other disaster in
this country to change the public's perception of agricultural technology affecting or perceived
to affect food quality and safety.
Safety of GMOs, How Advances in Science Benefit Consumers and Society Overall
The EPA is slowly marching forward with the TMDL and BMAP issues. Some states have had
BMAPs in place for 5 years or more. In my state, the EPA has agreed to a 15-year phase in of the
BMAPs. Additionally, the BMAPs are supposed to be re-evaluated every 5 years to denote
progress. So far, I aware of educational components and no substantial progress
Solutions to agricultural problems best addressed through GMOs.
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It bothers me that a book like Pollan's should get so much publicity and his knowledge of
agriculture was virtually zero. This gave the organic people freedom to make all kinds of
statements about their subject and the people who know the facts are overlooked. I worked on
farms in the 1930s and except for twine, separator oil, and an F-14
Safety of GMOs, Labeling of GMO products
From the list above: Genetic engineering is key, especially as it relates to crop improvements,,
farm productivity, soil management, herbicide usage, and drought- and heat-tolerant crop
varieties. CAST needs to lead the movement toward voluntary, pro-GMO food labeling.
Q3 - What issues in our 'environment' (water, big data, population, sustainability, things in our
environment we cannot influence, etc.) are important to understand as we develop our 2016-2020
strategic agenda?
Summary:
The most common issue mentioned was water (competition for use, managing for scarcity, quality,
rights/ownership, and regulations). Soil health and retention, air quality, climate change and the
resilience of crops to local climates, controlling population growth, the societal effects of the change in
ag land ownership, encroachment of suburbia on cropland, and plant diversity was also mentioned.
There were several comments on sustainability—what does it really mean?
Comments:
 We have to produce more with less inputs, while reducing environmental damage
 Competition for water, especially competition for irrigation water from municipal water supply.
 Crop and livestock production that exclusively utilizes sustainable practices.
 water quality and soil health
P and N run off reduction
 Feeding the world population while sustaining all natural resources. Global climate change and
quantifying impacts of those changes. Population growth. Equitable distribution of the world's
goods and resources. Managing for the scarcity of potable water.
 Sustainability is going to continue to be the buzz word - what is sustainability? and more
importantly the fact that no one system is uniquely sustainable - all systems have tradeoffs perhaps some scenario telling of the trades off associated with different production system - see
Stern et al. (2005) Ambio 34, 402-407 for good explanation of scenarios
 water use
population
changing climate
 Water seems to be the wild card now. (a) How do we sustain agricultural production without
mining groundwater? (b) How broadly will EPA define "waters of the U.S.? (c) Will states be
given a chance to remain co-regulators with EPA or is the "waters of the US" rule just an
anomaly?
 Pesticides and Environmental Risk Assessment
2) GMOs
3) Ag and its role in environmental stewardship (e.g., California and water quality and use
issues).
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Yields of conventional vs organic production systems
Water quality and air quality of animal agriculture systems
Antimicrobial traces in water/manure/air from dust
water
What is the societal impact of corporate farming, where farmers are employees and not owner
operators?
Ag land ownership; how did any country go from consolidation; to land ownership by operators
with success and without revolution (is there a path that involves technology? what is
technologies impact)?
I think water is the biggest concern. Sustainability and the productivity to feed 9 billion people is
also an important environmental question. Climate change looms large, as well.
ecosystem services should be valued and externalities associated with the production, use, and
disposal of goods and services should be included in product prices.
The competition between urban centers and agriculture for limited water resources will
continue to be a huge issue.
The fragile nature of the food supply and the need to use technology to produce food.
The idyllic notion that food can be produced with 19th century technology is pervasive and
gaining momentum.
Invasive species.
Sustainability, with all its definitions, will likely be the big issue for our scientists and our public.
Water.
Water use is one.
Encroachment of suburbia on crop-producing land.
water is the biggest, soil fertility is not far behind, then big data,
then complex systems approaches to understanding the interplay between agriculture and the
environment
Food safety and security globally
Water use, climate warming impacts on Ag.
Timely feedback to farmers on the impact of their conservation practices on local water quality.
A cheap tool is needed and must be widely disseminated.
Water -- especially California drought
Current plight of grain farmers with commodity prices where they are
What is important to the US consumer? - not concerned about "feeding the world”, but
producing more per acre or producing more with less may resonate better -- need to
understand that
Water and energy
Water, cutting edge farm technology, safe ag practices
How will slowdown in agricultural productivity growth apparent especially in slowing of yield
gains affect food prices, hunger, and poverty?
--agriculture / food production cannot be pollution free; there are trade-offs
none
o Big Data (tools and infrastructure needs)
2. Impacts of climate change on ag production
3. Sustainability
4. Preserving plant diversity
Sustainable total production resulting from acreage available and yield per acre functions.
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water quality and quantity and how can we use big data about water quality to improve land
management.
Food waste and malnutrition
Fresh water is becoming the next "oil." Clean and sustainable water supplies are the lifeblood
for human health, food production, and natural areas. All factors that degrade this resource
must be identified and mitigated.
Soil health and water are growing issues.
Get the federal pesticide (FIFRA) so that it is re-instated as superior over the Clean Water Act so
that NPDES permits are not needed by pesticide applicators. EPA requires 120-140 tests (RE:
CropLife America) to be passed before a pesticide is registered by the EPA. CLA considers
pesticides as pollutant in water even if product is EPA approved.
Water quality and prevention of contamination
main issues are energy use in production, unsustainable chemical and fossil fuel based
production systems. These pollute soil, water and are of concern for the health of people,
animals and the environment. Bid data need to remain in the public domain, so the seeds
(biodiversity)
Water is a critical issue now and into the future
Handling and storing in useful ways big data so things are not lost
If we could solve the population issue, other issues would diminish in importance
Sustainability is difficult to achieve with increasing populations, climate change and the
conversion to meat-eating
Water resources conserve
Renewal energy progress
Issues around fracking and its effect on both the environment and water resources that it is
taking away from agriculture as well as life style issues
Progress on decreasing energy usage
ways to control human population increases not just being resigned to exponential growth
climate change
Water will be big. Telling the story that agriculture is sincere about shrinking its usage footprint
will be key.
Physical resources in the environment are finite and we have to ensure that emerging
production processes ensure the sustainability of these resources for future generations.
The obvious ones deserve continued and objective attention.
Water is the big one--conservation and utility
Climate change understanding and preparation is critical
How climate control affects crops, poultry, and livestock production. Compensating for the
effects of drought plagued areas in forage, crop, and livestock production.
scarcity of water resources: conservation, runoff, availability, quality,
Global warming and green house gases
2. Production versus green house gases
3. Do CAFO produce more greenhouse gases than dispersed animal populations (i.e. pastoral
management) or more than emissions from automobiles/heavy trucks
The use of the word "sustainable" is not sustainable, so we need to stop using it. It is only a
cliché now.
Efficient use of water; crops that make use of the climate of the area; transportation problems
There is an image that industry data is suspect; crisis looming in government service-retirements and no one is being replaced, yet regulations and demands continue to increase,
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the word sustainability is over used and has too many definitions; how do we balance "urban"
ag with the needs of larger scale ag?
FDAs FSMA impacts
How much money the federal government is wasting on "climate change".
Overall sustainability of our environment to support agriculture and food production while
maintaining the environmental quality to a high degree and hopefully enhances the quality.
Water issues in California
What does sustainability really mean
sustainable food and water
Climate change - true at tipping point?
Soil retention and enrichment
o A.) Soils and Sustainable practices - regional differences b.) Water Rights - Is it time to
change how we manage water resources? Making sense of "water/ ownership" c.) What
predictions/implications are there for future generations based on present
demographics of populations around the world and how will this affect future
agricultural practices?
Water is important from both hydrological and political perspectives. Climate change may
dramatically influence agricultural practices.
Water, especially rights and usage
The role and state of natural capital as world population continues to grow.
The impact of waste products - human and animal; agricultural chemicals; and greenhouse gases
on the health of mankind and the earth itself
water; impact of population changes in the developing world; climate resilient agriculture;
relation between agriculture and other ecosystem services
#1 water, #2 water, & #3 water. Its use, distribution and transport out of local watersheds,
quality and security. 4 big data, how to use and maintain privacy.
Water is huge and promises to become an even larger issue moving forward
Impact of climate change on water availability and crop production, an economic analysis.
2. Prediction of shifts in agricultural growing areas due to climate change and its impact on the
goals of US food security, pesticide use and global trade
virtually all organic!!!!!!!!!!
Use of chemicals in farming, and their impact on environment
Water resource conservation is critical, in the light of the California drought; water is no longer
unlimited, and irrigation efficiency and "smart" production techniques are a big part of the
solution. Also, manure management and utilization needs to be significantly prioritized. Local
food production must become more than a vanity occupation.
Q4 - What demographics issues (generational, organizations, stakeholders) and sphere of influence
(US, NA, or global) are important to address as we develop our 2016-2020 strategic agenda?
Summary:
 There were many comments about generational differences in terms of how the traditional
farmer is aging out and the opportunities for younger farmers decreasing. Also mentioned was
the growing influence of millennials with a decreased knowledge of food production, increasing
interest in organic, and that they get their information through social media and networks.
 There were also several comments on the influence of a growing urban population, again with
not much education about agriculture or food production.
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In terms of sphere of influence, with the internet, international trade, increasing global
affluence, and the need for increased global food production to feed a growing population a
global outlook would be necessary.
Comments regarding how CAST should adjust to these issues focused mainly on our need to
change information delivery systems. Online, social media, and visual content is important to
expanding visibility and influence among millennials, women, and coming generations.
Comments:
 Millennials, get the rational NGO's on our side, taking politics out technologies that are used to
feed the growing population. China, in many instances, doesn't want the US to use technologies
that they couldn't control within their own borders.
 Collaborating with Mexico and Canada to provide for food security for North Americans. Latino
population will continue to increase in the US and Mexico at a more rapid rate than other
demographic groups. Stability or instability in Mexican politics might be exacerbated by US ag
and food policy.
 Equitable distribution of resources and goods.
 Got to get onto social media - need to employ some passionate millennials who are natives to
social media - perhaps have internships at CAST to enable summer students who have science
interest to come in a blog and increase reach of CAST publications. Everything is global these
days by virtue of the internet - need to get into YouTube/video media
 Traditional agriculture vs small farm organics
Demise of the family farm
 Generational issues would seem to be a key factor. The farm population is aging as farms
coalesce into family corporations. What policy and educational incentives can we give our FFA
and other young farmers to give them a leg up?
 Urban!!!!!! - lack of understanding Ag - organic, non-GMO, gluten, vegans etc.
 Division between consumers and agriculture
Need for producers to also understand consumers
Global influence of production
 age of farmers
small farm vs. larger
 Latinos in US agriculture, how can we give them influence in proportion to their numbers in ag?
 Young people leaving agriculture worldwide
 all scales should be addressed.
 Anything that we can do to educate urban and suburban residents about agriculture and science
in general. Increase transparency in science so that we can regain the public's trust.
 The average age of farmers is getting higher. What does that mean for agriculture?
 Realization that many of our public now get their information from friends or folks in similar
situations (e.g. moms).
 Affluent college-educated women, 25-55.
 Populations that doesn't really understand the economic and regulatory environment of
agriculture.
 global impacts of agriculture are fair game
 Changing perceptions and attitudes of younger generation.
 Urban dwellers with no knowledge of food production and food processing, and thus naive
 Urban vs rural.
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Growing influence of younger consumers and their desire for organic markets. Farmers are
mostly unaware of the premium that these new consumers are willing to pay for organic
produce.
The impact of social media on agriculture
The impact of less than 2% (and decreasing) of our population being involved in farming
The impact of the communication of "bad science" through the current available mediums
Millenials vs veteran farmers - how things are changing.
How will young farmer would-be entrants as owners and not just renters become feasible in the
face of rising farm entry costs and managerial requirements in future decades?
Lifting economic sanctions on Cuba coupled with medium-term efforts on climate change
adaptation are two issues that will likely lead to significant structural adjustments in the
Caribbean Basin agricultural economies. CAST may review the role of a U.S. led foresight
assessment to clarify priority U.S. Agbioscience issues to be addressed.
Private industry must understand that the basic research done at public institutions leads to
products that companies can develop and sell.
2. Private foundations like Gates need to continue to support the best science in the world to
help developing nations.
3. US federal policy makers
Child poverty and malnutrition
Improving nutrition through food diversification
Millennials are losing interest in the environment. If not corrected, this will be a costly mistake,
and will dramatically change the future of the earth.
An increasing population of city dwellers with little to no scientific understanding especially in
regard to food production is a growing problem. How can they be better educated?
Encourage, facilitate international trade of crop commodities to other countries.
Global food production to feed the increasing population
young framers need to be given incentives and access to land. They also need access to good
practical training in agroecological and sustainable farming practices
Impossible in this internet connected age to be anything but global
international trade and cultural differences influencing US
Generational shift
Partnering with environmental organizations rather than being adversarial
Urban agriculture and telling the story of its promise, potential and current state of the art.
There are several demographic issues that are important: Increasing global affluence, increasing
age, increasing urbanization, increasing food trade, increasing sources of information (both
informative/miss-informative)...
Improved methods to educate the masses on important issues mentioned above
the effect of population on other policies, environmental degradation, food security, the role of
values in determining policy options,
Social media and how agriculture can use it to their advantage
2. Identifying BLOGS for agriculture
Information sources for the masses: Is extension outdated?
In terms of careers--there's a serious lack of people with agriculture backgrounds going into
public service, how we deal with emerging pest issues or old pests that have made a comeback.
What do third party certifications really mean--there's so many "standards" out there.
Two items, first the large numbers of the baby boomer generation that are and will be leaving
the work force (across all aspects of the labor force) in the next 5 years and how will they be
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replaced. Dealing with the impact of global food shortages and obesity in our the world in the
next 5 years
Consumer education concerning environmental health associated with conventional crop
production with credible information
population growth
Demographics should not affect choice of agenda, but rather which topics have a need for
scientific understanding.
Security of our natural resources - protecting water, soil, minerals, air, land, etc. Selling our
arable land to other countries...risky business?
Food security issues at home and around the world ...how will we address these issues as the
world's population continues to increase?
Training and encouraging scientists to more effectively engage in the public sector.
Generational issues as fewer and fewer young people choose to return to the farm
Mass migration as seen in the Mediterranean boat flotillas and its impact on food production
and nutrition in the exit and entry countries/regions
Increasingly urban population with little understanding of agriculture
CAST faces major generational, organizational and sphere of influence issues. CAST must expand
visibility and influence among millennials, especially women, or go home. This will require major
adjustments in information delivery. Though fine products, the current information delivery
system publication system is a model T in the space age.
U.S. early-adopter millennials
Climate change denial, food security expectations across age classes
Check with the people at the Minn. Hist. Soc. and see what they are working on to answer the
questions by the Twin City visitors about agriculture. Somehow when the Grange people
donated their founders land to the society in 1861 they were ahead of their time and maybe we
would not have so many people so critical about what are leading farmers do
Online and social media are increasingly important as vehicles for Millennials and coming
generations, and provision of visual content is critical to creating impact among policymakers
and the public. CAST needs to continue to invest in both.
world wide
Q5 - What issues in the policy and regulatory framework (e.g. secondary standards) are important to
understand as we develop our 2016-2020 strategic agenda?
Summary:
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There were several comments that regulations should be based on solid science, and should not
be politicized. The cost of enforcement and compliance should be considered. Is the regulation
necessary? Can it slow or speed up ag innovation? How does it impact the economic welfare of
farmers and future food prices and supplies?
Specific policy issues mentioned involved regulation of GMOs, the role of immigrants in food
production, waters of the U.S., fertilizer and pesticide use, big data (sharing collecting, privacy),
interpretation and enforcement of existing policies such as the Clean Water and Endangered
Species Acts, zoonotic diseases, food safety, biosecurity, global trade, environmental
protection, climate related policies, etc.
Comments:
 FDA and CODEX for our business.
 policy around regulation of GMOs especially new breeding techniques e.g. gene editing will be
really important - lots of people using this - is it a GMO? policy around testing methods and
limits for detection of GMO for voluntary labeling standards like the non-GMO project written
by technical experts is needed. Also farm animal welfare standards
 immigration
regulatory demands
 How do we engage with the younger scientists of the Tri-Societies and land-grant colleges? Each
year universities like Purdue honor outstanding alumni during their early- to mid-career years.
Can CAST tag-team with these honorees to incentivize them to participate in CAST?
 Labeling particularly GMOs
 no comment
 How is regulation slowing innovation in ag production? How can it speed up innovation?
 Increasing nationalization will only increase the threat of exotic pests to our biosecurity.
 regulations should be based on the best available science
 Simply basing regulatory actions on solid science rather than knee jerk political reactions.
 Secondary standards
MRLs and food safety as non tariff trade barriers
 Realization that many of our legislators and their staff do not care about the facts as much as
they care about perceptions.
 Whether regulations are really needed vs the cost of enforcement and compliance.
 the biggest policy issue that has not been resolved federally is agricultural employment of nonCitizens, particularly in the dairy industry and other non-seasonal agricultural businesses such as
packing plants.
 Public perceptions of our existing regulatory system
 CAST might want to analyze what a TMDL for the Mississippi might really do in legal and
practical terms rather than let the rhetoric of "what might happen" continue.
 Endangered species act and its influence on the regulatory process -- in the presence of limited
resources
Understand (go ask) what the general public thinks (not scientists) about the consumption of
food in this country...quality, safety, etc.
 Bring to light the many restrictions, regulations, and reporting that is required today vs ten years
ago. And point out how they restrict agricultural production needlessly.
 China and the EU's regulatory issues.
 Farm income supports from government seem destined to decline as a proportion of farm
receipts in future years while government environmental and other regulations continue to
expand. How will this shift in government's role impact economic welfare of farmers and future
food prices and supplies?
 --waters of the U.S.
--citizens do not understand production agric enough to legislate (Prop 2, Calif)
--question needs to be asked, if citizens want xxxx, then are they prepared to increased the food
price by yyyyy
 Battelle studies suggest that there may be 1000 or more joint industry/university Agbioscience
centers, institutes and special programs in the U.S. Is there a strategic role of these entities to
advance shared economic prosperity in developing countries through a program of expanded
competitive grants for bilateral inter-institutional cooperation?
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Possible regulations on fertilizer usage
2. Sharing and collection of data that will guide precision agriculture
3. Regulatory costs of bringing new crops (conventional and biotech) to market
4. Regulation of next generation ag biotech (genome editing, etc.)
5. Unmanned Arial Vehicles
Mechanisms to stop food waste throughout the value chain
Increase the species of crops and livestock that are seriously researched
Reasonable interpretation and enforcement of the Clean Water and the Endangered Species
acts must be developed for food and fiber production to survive, and protect human health.
Science based regulation must be maintained in the US. We need to work to keep politics out of
the regulatory process.
Get the federal pesticide (FIFRA) so that it is re-instated as superior over the Clean Water Act so
that NPDES permits are not needed by pesticide applicators. EPA requires 120-140 tests (RE:
CropLife America) to be passed before a pesticide is registered by the EPA. CLA considers
pesticides as pollutant in water even if product is EPA approved.
availability and access to needed pharmaceuticals and other products
A thorough analysis of the regulatory process is needed. For info why, check the book from
Steve Drucker Altered Genes, Twisted Truth. Interesting that I could not find a reference to that
book on the CAST website
Without an understanding and influence on policy and regulation we will lose the impact of
science on these areas - a dangerous precedent for the future.
regulation of pesticide use
control of energy extraction
control of urban sprawl
increasing wildlife habitat
So much has become politicized -- climate change for example -- an important effort is to
continue to convey the science without the spin.
Regulations will continue to increase; small producers will be more at risk of failing to comply.
Food safety will continue to be a key issue for policy focus. However, public pressure will
encourage further policy to be focused on animal welfare and production technologies.
Legislative discretion pertaining to zoonotic diseases. Papers of facts as known at the current
date on important topics--avian influenza, Ebola, insect borne encephalitides, etc.
The potential effects of a foreign animal disease incursion (such as foot and mouth disease or
high pathogenic avian influenza) on international commerce?
the importance of policy changes on food safety, e.g., prevention. the difficulty that using
pesticides in an ever increasing urban population, i.e., purposefully putting into the environment
and expecting no residue,
Encouraging all agencies and organizations to work together.
See number 4 about third party certifications. The tension between conventional and organic
producers. What does organic really mean--it's differs the public thinks 1 thing; farmers and
regulatory agencies see it differently--and it is.
The over-burdensome and unnecessary NEPA requirements
The completely broke and dysfunctional endangered species act
Need to remember consumer's preferences in food and life choices for food and concerns over
the environment. Growth of organic and lower input food production while maintaining quality
and quantity
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Precautionary principle
Limitations of expressing particulate matter as harmful amount
Keeping America's food supply safe - how can the average citizen help to protect our food
supply?
Protecting Farmer's rights to farm and conduct business without excessive regulation. Educating
the public about agricultural best practices
Promoting agriculture education and the diversity of jobs in agriculture. Biosecurity/agricultural
resources
Food Safety Modernization Act is beginning to have impacts on food production, processing, and
distribution practices and will continue to do so. This will be particularly important in terms of
traceability from global sources.
Role of immigrants in food production
Trade pacts as they pertain to agriculture and agricultural trade
climate-related policies; policy drivers of land use change; consumer driven
verifications/certifications? i.e. sustainably raised livestock when inadequate research exists to
support/refute practices; does agricultural sustainability belong in the dietary guidelines and is
there data to evaluate it?
The first that comes to mind is privacy issues associated with big data. Other issues involve
global trade, food security, and common sense regulations that balance innovation and
technological advancement, public health, and environmental protection.
Ag lands can recycle nutrients if "farming water" is built into the crop rotation. The soil can be
used to reduce costs of nutrient removal from human contaminated waters. Alternatives such
as nitrogen barrier walls or nitrogen bioreactors at end-of-field should be addressed.
Lack of use of statistics in the EU designation of glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen.
Biotech crop regulation especially with gene edited crops
Prioritization of agricultural research funding at the federal (and state) level is a major challenge
that must be addressed. Likewise, support for genetic engineering needs to increase. Finally,
food-safety initiatives for fresh foods through harvesting, handling, processing and packaging
need to be stronger and better communicated to consumers.
Are there any other comments you would like to share with us?
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CAST should establish a dialogue with people supporting alternate points of view to better
understand these views and the basis of these views.
I really think investment to increase social media presence of CAST and their publications would
be helpful - the way that you download the free publications is not intuitive - like having to say
you want to order a free publication - need to put text of publications up in hyperlinked
searchable form so search engines can pick them up & then tweet!
Looking forward to engaging.
Great job!
In animal agriculture, the biggest issues we face are AM resistance and use, animal welfare, and
consumer concerns with how animals are raised for food. Addressing that from a purely
technological and scientific standpoint has not worked in the past. I am supportive of CAST and
appreciate your work!
Need to emphasize the importance of exports for agriculture and the need for trade promotion
authority.
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Our recent study is unpublished but amazingly revealing. It will be Turbyfill, Folta and
Colquhoun, we don't know where it will be published, but shooting high for Nature Genetics. It
is an ideamap survey that studies trigger points in the transgenic crop discussion. Educated
women object to any genetic tinkering- period.
The scientific analysis done by CAST can be valuable influencers however I believe a new look in
how communications and outreach on products is done to broaden that influence.
Of all the organizations that I belong to, I feel the least amount of "connection" with CAST.
What can we do to improve that for me and the general membership (assuming others feel that
way - or haven't left already)?
Educate the public to the point where they force political leaders to fund Agricultural Research,
Education, and Extension.
none
It is important to emphasize the importance of plant biology as having broad impacts to improve
agriculture as well as in the advancement of biomedical research and our understanding of
ecology.
It is important that we don't think of improving nutrition mainly by putting a few more nutrients
into a few species
The credibility and vision of CAST is exceptional. How can that impact be expanded?
Re the CAST Mission
CAST assembles, interprets, and communicates credible science-based information regionally,
nationally, and internationally to legislators, regulators, policymakers, the media, the private
sector, and the public.
Given my point in the box above, I wonder who decides what is credible science based and
based on what criteria
No
Keep up the good work. Brevity and being mobile will own the communication networks.
Continuing to inform on issues that do not lend themselves to sound bites will be the challenge.
The biggest challenge to animal production is the growing mistrust of the science emerging
technologies as well as a mistrust of the regulatory agencies of government.
Keep up the good work-the anti-animal as food advocacy is troubling, viable protein sources are needed. the antitechnology advocacy is troubling. since we are seeking to trace-back commodities, legal liability
concerns also are important to balance.
"All natural" GMO's:
http://acsh.org/2015/05/are-gm-sweet-potatoes-safer-riskier-or-neither-you-may-be-surprised/
Believe the next 5 years will be extremely important to set directions for food production and
environmental policy for the foreseeable future (20 to 30 years)
your weekly bulletin is useful
Best advice for keeping America's Agricultural Community a vital and vested interest of all
Americans? Advice on how to keep "The Story of Agriculture" always in the forefront of the
general public?
None at this time
CAST is a wonderful organization with lofty goals and a fine reputation, an organization of which
I'm proud to be a lifetime member. I sincerely hope the new EVP has the energy, vision,
leadership skills and support of staff and members needed for CAST to not only remain relevant
but increase relevance in the near future.
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Back to #4 land grant schools, because of political pressure, have not been able to defend
themselves against the critics who want to save the small farms and the small town service
centers. Is it within your bylaws to be more vocal in that respect?
Thank you CAST for what you are doing!
Less "dogmatic" dissemination of information -- regardless of its scientific validity -- and more
dialogue on controversial issues. Science must absolutely guide debates over policy, but
sustainability (for example) isn't 100% congruent with technology. Where social values and
production efficiency clash, we need to talk options, not ultimatums.