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Submission of Floriculture Research Funding Application

Deadline August 1 each year

NEW IN 2023!   ONLINE SUBMISSION APPLICATION FORM!

Apply Here

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The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is committed to supporting research that advances the floral industry through our Floriculture Research Funding Application. The work and expertise of university researchers are extremely important to us and the future of floriculture. AFE-funded research solves scientific challenges posed by disease, pests, and other environmental issues. This research benefits not only growers but every segment of the industry down to the consumer.

Because there are always more funding requests than funding, each proposal will be evaluated for potential benefit to the industry. We encourage each researcher to review the AFE research priorities listed below. Our priorities are focused on all floricultural crops, including fresh-cut flowers and greens, flowering and foliage potted plants, bedding plants, and perennials. Projects benefitting any industry segment, from grower to the consumer will be considered for funding.

In no specific order, the priorities are:

  • Sustainable Production and Handling Practices Including Water Use Efficiency, Growing Media, and Plastic Alternatives
  • Automation, Technology, and AI Leading to Labor Savings
  • Biocontrol of Pests
  • Advanced Breeding Technology, including CRISPR
  • Long-Term Storage and Shipping Conditions for Cut Flowers, Bedding, and Potted Plants
  • Production Technology
  • Postharvest Technology 
  • Botrytis Control and Management
  • Thrips Control and Management

If you have any questions about the application, research proposal process, AFE’s priority areas, or a project idea, please get in touch with AFE at afe@endowment.org.

All proposals are reviewed by the AFE Research Committee for industry relevance, and by the Society of American Florists Growers Council. Proposals that rank the highest from these industry reviews will then be selected for academic and peer review to determine final funding.

*If you are a researcher interested in becoming a peer reviewer, please get in touch with AFE.  We are always seeking new reviewers in specialty fields.

Below is the link to the new online application form and the timeline for submitting projects to the Endowment.  The Endowment’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and runs through June 30, therefore funding for projects begins in July of the next fiscal year.


NEW IN 2023!   ONLINE SUBMISSION – FLORICULTURE RESEARCH FUNDING APPLICATION FORM!

Research Application Process

Application forms are due no later than August 1. Applications must be submitted using the online submission form, and additional materials requested uploaded through the platform. The first review and notification process will be completed by October 1st.

Special Note:  AFE requires that all funds for research and educational grants be used for the funded project. No funds may be used to cover indirect or overhead costs.

Apply Here


Peer Review Process

Applications that rank the highest by industry review will go on to be peer-reviewed. All researchers will be notified by October 1 of the status of their application, and if it was selected for peer review. If selected, an independent scientific peer review will be carried out. Final selection of research applications to be funded will be determined no later than January 15. This allows the researcher time for the recruitment of graduate students to take place in the spring.

Funding for research projects is administered in two phases. One-half of the annual funding is distributed in July/August and the other half in January.


For AFE-FUNDED Projects:

For projects funded by AFE, there is a progress report due annually, and a final research report due at the end of the project. Below outlines the requirements.


Progress Report & Continuing Projects Funding Request

The Continuing Projects Funding Request has been incorporated into the Progress Report Application and is due by June 1. Continuing project funding is subject to review by the Board of Trustees and is contingent on the availability of funds. Final funding will be announced after the Endowment’s Annual Meeting in August. All documents must follow guidelines, or they will be returned.

Progress Report & Continuing Projects Funding Request Form

Final Special Research Report

A Final Project Report is required for all projects that are terminated. The report must summarize the results of the project, its scientific accomplishments and its impact on the industry. The report(s) are due within 30 days of the termination of the project. See Final Report Guidelines for more information.

 

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