Alexandria, Virginia, USA
March 20, 2013

Source: American Seed Trade Association newsletter

Seed industry leader Paul Thomas passed away peacefully in his sleep at age 84 on March 9 in Woodland, California with his wife, Mary Anne, at his side.

Paul started his career in 1950 and became a pioneer in hybrid vegetable seed breeding for disease resistance and is credited with the development of 73 new hybrid vegetable introductions, including seven All America Winners.

In 1984, Paul was awarded the Silver Medallion by the All America Selections Committee from the American Seed Trade Association for his contributions to horticulture. In 1992, Paul was elected Fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science and in 2012, the All America Selection Committee awarded Paul the Breeder Cup Award.

Paul served on several boards including the Board of Directors of the All America Selection Committee and the California Pepper Commission as Commissioner representing the California Seed Trade.
 

Website: http://www.betterseed.org/

Published: March 20, 2013