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The purpose of the Heritage Award is to preserve and build history, honor, and recognize individuals who have significantly impacted ASTA and the seed industry and to inspire the next generation of leaders, and instill a sense of pride in the rich history of the seed industry and ASTA.

In the nearly 140 years that ASTA has been in operation, the seed industry has seen tremendous change and growth. So much of the present and future can be understood by looking back. ASTA has been fortunate to serve members who have contributed to the seed trade industry, an industry that affects every living being on the planet, and one that is essential to the health, happiness and economic security of every community. It is important to acknowledge and respect those that have demonstrated their passion and values to grow better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life.

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Heritage Awards

2022
June 29
Norman Borlaug
Norman Borlaug headshot

Norman Borlaug’s obituary read “… he taught the world to feed itself.” Borlaug is credited with saving hundreds of millions to as many as a billion lives from starvation. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his work on the world’s food supply, Borlaug is known the world over for his highly successful wheat breeding and wheat research programs in Mexico. He created the World Food Prize in 1986 to recognize the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. Borlaug championed an adequate food supply for improving food production to feed an ever-growing world population.

June 29
Jerry Peterson
Jerry Peterson headshot

At age 15, Jerry Peterson joined the family seed business, working with his father and brothers Roy and Larry. Over a distinguished 50-year career, Jerry served as President of Peterson Seed Co. in Shakopee, MN,including a 13-year affiliation with Pioneer Hi-Bred International. He was President of the American Seed Trade Association in 1989 and Western Seed Trade Association and was very active in the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, as well as other international associations. He was admired as an outstanding seedsman and a pure gentleman. He was always at ease with those who stood among his friends and even strangers. He often was the first one to extend a hand of fellowship and make people feel welcome in his presence. In May 1990 Jerry Peterson provided testimony to amend the 1970 Plant Variety Protection Act to preclude further abuse of the “Save Seed Exemption.”