AAS Breeder’s Cup

The All-America Selections Breeders Cup was established in 2004 to recognize a plant breeder who dramatically influenced horticulture by breeding new cultivars that brought significant improvements to those classes. All-America Selections is very proud to announce that the 2018 Breeder’s Cup Award recipient is Doug Holden, recently retired Global Head of Breeding for Benary.

Doug started his career at Bodger Seeds Ltd. In 1986 where he bred notable introductions Ageratum Hawaii Blue, Lobelia Palace Series and numerous others. Continuing his career at Waller Flower Seed Company, Doug advanced to Vice President of Research and Development where he led the development of a new R&D Department as well as bred notable series such as the Viola Sorbet, Pacifica and Mediterranean Vinca and Panache Pansies, to name a few.

In 1997, Doug moved to Goldsmith Seeds Inc. where he worked to expand the efforts of Goldsmith Plants Inc. to include a steady supply of vegetative products. These products ultimately became part of Syngenta Flowers’ Goldfisch Brand.

As the Vice President of Yoder Brothers’ Propagator Marketing Group, Doug dove into the cut flower and potted plant market by leading the new product development in cut flower carnations; garden mums; hibiscus; azaleas and other annual and perennial classes. Doug established Yoder’s new breeding station and production farm in Columbia and implemented a new test production system to assure that these perennials could be reliably produced.

Following a short tenure as Director of Research for Syngenta Flowers, Doug moved to Benary as the Global Head of Breeding in 2009. He was tasked with establishing a new North American Headquarters and Breeding Facility and recruiting breeders for the North American market. By acquiring and refurbishing the old El Modeno facility in Watsonville, Doug was able to create a fully functioning facility in mere months. As a result of Doug’s vast knowledge and expertise, the Benary Breeding Facility has already generated its first completely US-bred series, Super Hero™ Marigolds (‘Spry’ is a 2018 AAS National Winner).

Dr. Matthias Redlefsen, CEO of Benary shares this about Doug: “Doug has been an outstanding breeder with a tremendous track record of groundbreaking innovations. Moreover, he has been an exceptional coach to dozens of young breeders coming into our industry. This is his legacy. But most importantly for those who had the privilege to work with Doug, he has been a great colleague and teammate. His footprints are huge and the award couldn’t be more deserved.”