AAS honors Mitch Hanes with its 2024 Breeders’ Cup Award
Mitch Hanes, a retired flower breeder from Syngenta Flowers, has been awarded the 2024 All-America Selections (AAS) Breeders’ Cup Award for his contributions to horticulture. This prestigious honor, established in 2004, celebrates breeders whose innovative work has significantly impacted the industry.
Hanes spent over 40 years with Syngenta Flowers, previously Goldsmith Seeds, where he played a vital role in developing new flower cultivars. His notable achievements include the creation of interspecific geraniums, such as the Calliope, Caliente, and Mojo series. One standout variety, Calliope Medium Dark Red, earned recognition as a 2017 AAS Winner.
Todd Perkins, a fellow breeder from Syngenta Flowers, presented the award during a special ceremony. “Mitch’s dedication and vision have left an enduring mark on horticulture,” Perkins said.
The AAS Breeders’ Cup Award is given based on nominations and reviews by a panel of horticultural experts. Hanes’ long career and the success of his cultivars have solidified his legacy in the field.
All-America Selections, a non-profit organization, evaluates new garden varieties across North America, recognizing top-performing plants for their beauty and adaptability.
For more information, visit all-americaselections.org.
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