American Floral Endowment Update - Fall 2002
American Floral Endowment Update - Fall 2002
Endowment Announces Research Database
A new website, www.flora-links.org was recently announced as one of the most comprehensive floriculture research databases in the industry. The site is designed to help fellow industry members quickly locate scientific floriculture/horticulture research information. Since its launch in May of 2002 and without any promotion, the site is receiving none than 1,000 users per month.
Endowment web page update: www.endowment.org has made several improvements during the past several months. The www.flora-links.org site can now be accessed from this site, and recent additions include a set of writing tips for scientific research proposals, the Wilkins scholarship for foreign travel, the Special Scientific Research Reports, and the Consumer Tracking Study marketing articles. The website currently receives more than 5,600 users per month - a 14O% increase since July of 1999.
These projects are made possible through generous support from American Floral Endowment donors, and in conjunction with other educational programs, are helping to build a stronger industry.
Research to Help Growers, Wholesalers, and Retailers
During the past year, the EndowmentÕs Board of Trustees has been extremely busy, completing several projects that will disseminate its cut flower research results to the industry and a career brochure to help attract young people to the floriculture industry.
“Keys To Fresh Cut Flower Longevity” brochures were developed from extensive postharvest research projects supported by the Endowment and conducted by Dr. Terril Nell of the University of Florida at Gainesville and Dr. Michael Reid of the University of California at Davis. Three brochures were developed with specific information targeting growers, wholesalers, and retailers. The material identifies proper care-and-handling guidelines for fresh cut flowers. The most significant finding was that the most critical conditions for improving qualityÕ, freshness, and vase life are the 3-CÕs: Cooling, Cleanliness, and Care.
A Floriculture career brochure titled “Make People Smile, Grow Your Future in the Floral Industry,” was recently completed and distributed to members of the American School Counselors Association. The brochure highlights career opportunities in the floral industry and was a joint project between the Society of American Florists and the Endowment. This is the only known marketing literature that promotes the floral industry.
For a copy, contact the Endowment office or visit www.endowment.org.
