CAST-Industry Tie Raises Credibility Concerns.

The article examines how the Association of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) with agribusiness corporations and industrial trade associations raises concerns about its credibility. Around 200 companies and associations provide 57% of the CAST's operating budget. The CAST defends all pesticides under public scrutiny and also takes pro-industry stand in its public postures. Sustaining members are mostly agricultural trade associations, whose annual dues are $50 for regional groups and $100 for national organizations. Industry money funnels not only to the CAST but around it, in the form of corporation-sponsored projects and events staged to publicize the CAST reports favorable to industry.