News Releases

DATE:	November 13, 2003
CONTACT:	Don Wertman, Chairman
	(703) 837-8140

Bob Appleman Remembered

The American Seed Trade Association has lost one of its most revered and treasured past presidents with the passing of Bob Appleman. Bob passed away on Friday, October 17, 2003.

Bob’s industry leadership spanned nearly seven decades. He participated in and helped motivate the industry to move from the era of gathering and selecting land race seeds to a pedigree system with intellectual property rights attached to the germplasm. His leadership was sought in every arena of industry activity as he had amassed great political capital over the decades which he could bring to actionable focus in many situations.

Bob’s business acumen is legendary. His willingness to take calculated risks, and they were always calculated, his propensity for finding, creating and consummating great business deals, his unprecedented ability to create value in business when others couldn’t find any, all this and more made Bob one of the true giants of the seed industry.

Bob valued friendship above any tangibles. Bob took an interest in young seedsmen and while maintaining long standing, mature friendships, he was always willing to establish, nurture and inspire young seedsmen one or two generations his junior. Here I speak from personal experience. I am forever grateful for Bob’s interest in my career and for the encouragement he offered as I tried to follow in the steps of his great example.

Words are inadequate to express the loss we suffer as he leaves us to embark on the final journey to eternal peace with the God he knew and loved so well. While we grieve his passing, we are forever grateful for his generous spirit, nurturing encouragement and abiding friendship. Rest well dear friend.

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Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), located in Washington, DC, is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of about 900 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is to enhance the development and free movement of quality seed worldwide.