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 Osama El-Lissy, Deputy Administrator for the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) division. The award recognizes those whose efforts have made a significant contribution to the association and the U.S. seed industry.
During his tenure as the APHIS deputy, Mr. El-Lissy has provided significant support to the seed industry, including the development of key initiatives for addressing phytosanitary challenges. Under his leadership, and in close coordination with the seed industry, APHIS has successfully implemented the National Seed Accreditation Pilot Program for the exotic cucumber green mottle mosaic virus, and a new Regulatory Framework for Seed Health, known as ReFreSH, which should have significant benefits for the international movement of seed.
To see past recipients, click here.
Honorary Lifetime Member
The ASTA Honorary Lifetime Member award was presented to Wendell Howard, Regional Sales Manager for Warner Seed, Inc. Honorary Members distinguish themselves through leadership, vision and service.
Mr. Howard started his distinguished career in the seed industry at R.C. Young Seed & Grain Co. where he worked during his Junior and Senior years at Texas Tech University. After graduating in 1961, he continued full time with R.C. Young, and served on the Texas Certified Seed Board in 1963-63. When R.C. Young was sold to Agrigenetics in 1970, Mr. Howard continued with the company for the next decade before taking another job with Richardson Seed, LLC, where he worked from 1980 to 2010. In 2010, he went to work for his current employer, Warner Seed, Inc.
During his career, he has held a number of volunteer leadership positions with the industry, including serving as President of the Texas Seed Trade Association from 1992093, President of the Southern Seed Association in 1999, and President of the Western Seed Association in 2014.
To see past recipients, click here.
ASTA Lifetime Industry Achievement Award
To see past recipients, click here.
