Breeders’ Cup Award winner Mitch Hanes (L) and his trophy (R) | All-America Selections (AAS)
All-America Selections (AAS) has announced that Mitch Hanes, a retired flower breeder from Syngenta Flowers, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 AAS Breeders’ Cup Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to horticulture through their plant breeding innovations.
The AAS Breeders’ Cup Award was established in 2004 to honor breeders whose groundbreaking work has led to the development of new cultivars that have had a profound impact on the industry. Mitch Hanes’ career exemplifies the dedication and expertise required to create exceptional plants that have captivated gardeners and consumers alike.
Mitch spent more than 40 years at Syngenta Flowers, formerly Goldsmith Seeds, where he played a pivotal role in breeding a variety of innovative flower cultivars. His contributions to the field of horticulture include the development of interspecific geraniums, such as the Calliope, Caliente, and Mojo series. Notably, Calliope Medium Dark Red is a 2017 All-America Selections Winner.
The AAS Judges, a group of experienced horticulturists, honored Mitch with the Breeders’ Cup Award at a special meeting. Todd Perkins, a fellow breeder from Syngenta Flowers, presented a tribute to Mitch’s career, highlighting his exceptional achievements and dedication to the industry.
