California Asparagus Seed and Transplants, Inc. (C.A.S.T.) was founded in 1981 to provide high quality asparagus seed and transplants for the asparagus industries around the world. The outstanding quality of our asparagus seed and the productivity and quality of the spears resulting from our cultivars has allowed C.A.S.T. to become the leading marketer of HYBRID asparagus seed. C.A.S.T. is owned by partners Brian and Betty Benson. Brian left the Department of Vegetable Crops at the University of California at Davis in 1985 after 15 years of research on the culture and physiology of asparagus in order to fullfill his vision of C.A.S.T. This company was established to breed superior asparagus cultivars and to produce the highest quality asparagus seed. Betty is very active in the operation of C.A.S.T. as business manager and coordinator of asparagus seed reservations and sales. C.A.S.T. typically markets 4 to 5 metric tons (8,800 to 11,000 pounds) of HYBRID asparagus seed annually to over 40 countries. Our asparagus seed is produced on 5.5 hectares (13.5 acres) and is cleaned and processed in our own facilities. Increased seed production of UC 157 F1, Atlas F1 and Grande F1 will enlarge the aparagus seed production area to 7.2 hectares (18 acres). The California Crop Improvement Association certifies our seed for purity and quality. DNA testing of our seed has shown it to be 100% hybrid seed. The outstanding quality of our seed and the productivity and quality of the spears resulting from our cultivars has allowed C.A.S.T. to become the leading marketer of hybrid asparagus seed. Our commitment to provide our clients with expertise on the culture of asparagus has been mutually beneficial to both the growers that have purchased our asparagus seed and to the company because of the successes of the growers we have as clients.     Our Seed | Order Samples | Yield Data | Recipes | Our Company | Links | Home | Contact | How to Buy | Site Map © 2001 California Asparagus Seed and Transplants, Inc.