Every year, All-America Selections (AAS) honors individuals who have given significantly to AAS. One award is the prestigious AAS Medallion of Honor, an award designed to recognize someone with a lifelong dedication to advancement in the field of horticulture. Another equally prestigious award is the Breeder’s Cup which was established in 2004 to recognize a breeder who has dramatically influenced horticulture by his or her work in bringing significant improvements to specific flower or vegetable classes.

AAS Breeder’s Cup

National Garden Bureau (NGB) and All-America Selections (AAS) are delighted to announce that Terry Berke, retired hot pepper breeder from Bayer/Seminis, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 AAS Breeders’ Cup Award. 

If you’ve ever felt the slow-burn of a perfectly balanced habanero or enjoyed the rich, smoky depth of a gourmet mole, there is a very good chance you have Terry Berke to thank. Often referred to as one of the most prolific pepper breeders in the industry, Berke’s career at Seminis (and later Bayer) has been defined by a rare ability to bridge the gap between commercial efficiency and home-garden flavor.

For decades, Terry Berke served as a Lead Pepper Breeder at Seminis Vegetable Seeds, continuing his work after the company was acquired by Bayer Crop Science. Terry’s peers and co-workers, Tyler Ash and Pieter Westerbeek, explained that while many breeders focus strictly on yield or disease resistance for commercial shipping, Berke became famous for his “dual-track” success. He developed varieties that could withstand the rigors of large-scale farming while maintaining the nuanced flavor profiles and unique shapes that home gardeners crave.

His work wasn’t just about heat; it was about reliability. Berke’s breeding programs stabilized many of the pepper types we now take for granted in the produce aisle, ensuring that a “Habanero” or a “Cayenne” looked and tasted consistent every time it was planted.

The AAS Legend: Bringing Awards to the Backyard

Berke’s legacy is perhaps most visible in the All-America Selections (AAS) winner’s circle. He has the rare distinction of having bred nine AAS winners, which are awarded only after rigorous, independent trialing across North America. What set Berke apart was his focus on the culinary experience. He was a pioneer in breeding peppers like ‘Roulette,’ which allowed people with lower heat tolerances to experience the floral, fruity notes of a habanero without the Scoville-induced pain.

National Garden Bureau, All-America Selections, their breeders, judges, board of directors, and the companies they represent, extend their heartfelt congratulations to Terry Berke. His tireless efforts and innovative spirit have had a lasting impact on the world of horticulture.

Previous AAS Breeders’ Cup Recipients

AAS Medallion of Honor

National Garden Bureau and All-America Selections is pleased to announce that the 2025 Medallion of Honor was awarded to Mr. Tom Johns.

A Legacy of Education

The presentation featured a career-spanning video and personal tributes from two of Tom’s closest mentees: Farren Johns, Tom’s daughter and current Vice President of Territorial, and Josh Kirschenbaum, Seed Supply Manager at Ball Seed. Both speakers shared moving accounts of the in-depth “horticultural education” Tom bestowed upon them throughout their careers.

Farren and Josh highlighted Tom’s unique ability to translate complex plant science into actionable wisdom, noting that his mentorship went far beyond business operations. They credited his guidance with shaping their professional philosophies, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to quality and his passion for the home gardener’s success.

Four Decades of Excellence

Tom and his wife, Julie, led Territorial Seed Company from 1985-2022. Under Tom’s visionary leadership, the company evolved from a regional specialty outfit into a national powerhouse. A cornerstone of this success is London Spring Farms in Cottage Grove, Oregon, the company’s extensive research and trial grounds. There, Tom personally oversaw the rigorous testing of every variety for performance, flavor, and adaptability, a “botanical boot camp” that ensures only the best seeds reach the consumer. This tradition continues today under second-generation ownership.

A Salute from the Industry

All-America Selections, National Garden Bureau, and the Home Garden Seed Association, along with the industry’s breeders and AAS judges, join together in saluting Tom Johns. He is recognized not only as an industry achiever but as a cornerstone of the gardening community who has bridged the gap between professional breeding and the “seed-to-table” lifestyle.

Previous AAS Medallion of Honor Recipients