b'CONTENT FROM APSARemembering APSAs Founding FatherThis past June 30 was a sad day forA pioneer and visionarycenters, and facilitated the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliancein the field of agriculture,training programs across nine Mogens was born in 1939 ascountries. formerly the Asia & Pacific Seedthe eldest of three children Association (APSA). On that day, theto a Danish farming family. The idea of APSA was born regional seed trade associationsout of these experiences. Mogens life was deeplyDespite initial skepticism, founder passed away on what was to berooted in agriculture from theMogens spearheaded the his 85 thand final birthday.very beginning. His father,development of what would originally from St. Petersburg,become the Asia and Pacific moved to Denmark in 1928Seed Association (APSA). His and established a successfultireless efforts in organizing farming career. Mogensand promoting the association followed in his fathersculminated in the foundation footsteps, gaining practicalmeeting in Chiang Mai, farming experience beforeThailand, in September pursuing higher education.1994, attended by over 240 He earned his M.Sc. indelegates.Agricultural Economics from the Danish Royal VeterinaryMogens leadership and vision and Agricultural College inhave left a lasting legacy in 1965. the agricultural community. His contributions to the seed Mogens career took aindustry and his dedication significant turn in 1972 whento fostering international he was approached by thecollaboration have been Federation of Danish Seedinstrumental in shaping the Growers Associations tofuture of agriculture in the become their national advisor.Asia-Pacific region.Despite his initial unfamiliarity with the seed industry,Mogens impact on the Mogens accepted theagricultural world and his challenge and quickly becamelegacy with APSA will a key figure in the sector. continue to inspire future generations. He will be dearly In 1982, Mogens joined themissed by his family, friends, FAOs Seed Service, whereand colleagues.he managed national and regional seed projects, first inMogens is survived by his Swaziland and later in Asia.partner Ellen, his children His work in Asia spannedSren, Lars and Christina and 15 years, during which heseven grandchildren, were a provided invaluable policysource of immense pride for advice, strengthened seedhim.Visit apsaseed.org to read Mogens story, in his own words via an interview conducted in 2017, reflecting on his early years and special time leading into the associations founding in 1994. Members and former colleagues who would like to share any memories or tributes of Mogens, In his later years, Mogens could rest assured that he left a lastingand the early APSA days are invited to do so via legacy that would go on to have a profound impact for millions. 30years.apsaseed.org18/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2024'