MAST International was founded in 1949 by Dr. J. O. Christianson, who was the superintendent of the University of Minnesota’s School of Agriculture. He dedicated his life to inspiring young agriculturalists and sought a more meaningful world through agriculture and international exchange. When the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program was created under the Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, MAST was the fourth exchange visitor program designated by the U.S. Department of State.
"I envision a time when young agriculturists from all over the world can productively interact with each other to share ideas and common values; working together for better agriculture, greater world understanding and cooperation.”
- Dr. J. O. Christianson in his speech founding MAST