Each year, at ASTA’s annual convention, leaders in the seed industry who have contributed significantly to advances in their areas of expertise, to their business sectors and/or states or regions, and to the efforts of ASTA to serve their industry are recognized by their peers with the highest honors bestowed by the seed industry.
Industry Honors
Distinguished Service Award
The ASTA Distinguished Service award was presented to Tom Nickson, T.E. Consulting LLC, and Rob Wendell, Plantel Nurseries. The award recognizes those whose efforts have made a significant contribution to the association and the U.S. seed industry.
Tom began his career at Monsanto in 1981 after earning a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. His work spanned roles from chemist to leading environmental risk assessment for biotech crops. After leaving Monsanto, Tom has served as the U.S. seed industry’s voice for over a decade on topics related to germplasm and access and benefit sharing. His dedication and expertise on the policies that impact how we use plant genetic resources have helped shape the global industry’s advocacy in a wide range of negotiations at the United Nations, including debates at the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Over the years, Tom has been an indispensable part of ASTA’s international programs, representing ASTA and our members across the world and in discussions under the International Seed Federation (ISF), the Global Industry Coalition, and International Chamber of Commerce.
Rob Wendell is the President and CEO of Plantel Nurseries, where he leads a team committed to expanding the company’s footprint across the West. He oversees a strong management group and long-tenured workforce driving growth in key vegetable transplant markets. For more than a decade, he served as CEO of NativeSeed Group, guiding its evolution from a single-location distributor into North America’s premier native seed company with 13 locations. With deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions, revenue optimization, and corporate development, he led two successful ownership transitions that propelled the organization’s strategic expansion.
To see past recipients, click here.
Tom Nickson, L.E. Consulting LLC
Rob Wendell, Plantel Nurseries
Honorary Lifetime Member
The ASTA Honorary Lifetime Member award was presented to Dr. Wayne Wiebe, H.M. Clause. Honorary Members distinguish themselves through leadership, vision and service.
Dr. Wayne Wiebe has dedicated more than four decades to advancing the vegetable seed industry through leadership in seed quality, plant pathology, seed health, and production research. Throughout his career with organizations including Syngenta, Seminis/Monsanto, and HM.CLAUSE, he has led global quality assurance and research initiatives that improved seed performance, disease resistance, and industry standards. A recognized expert in seed health and phytosanitary issues, Dr. Wiebe has authored numerous technical publications, including several from ASTA, contributed extensively to industry guidance documents, and held leadership roles with national and international seed organizations. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from University of California, Davis and remains a respected mentor, educator, and advocate for scientific excellence within the seed industry.
To see past recipients, click here.
Dr. Wayne Wiebe, HM.CLAUSE
ASTA Lifetime Industry Achievement Award
To see past recipients, click here.
