Noticias
Una carta del presidente saliente de AFE, David Garcia
August 19, 2026
Estimados simpatizantes y amigos de AFE:,
It has been a tremendous honor to serve as Chairman of the American Floral Endowment over the past two years. When I began my term, I shared my confidence in AFE and optimism for where we were headed. Today, as my term comes to a close and AFE celebrates 65 years of serving the floral industry, I am even more confident in the important role this organization will play in our industry’s future.
AFE was built on the idea that our industry is stronger when we invest in our future together. I have seen that idea in action through the dedication of our Trustees and staff, the generosity of our donors, and collaboration throughout the floral community.
Together, we have accomplished a great deal:
- Expanded AFE’s investment in innovative research addressing pressing industry challenges, from pest and disease management to production, postharvest, sustainability, and emerging technologies.
- Distributed more than $1.5 million in research, scholarship, and grant funding during the 2024-2025 fiscal year alone.
- Launched a new explainer video and our website’s AI chatbot, Professor Petal, to raise awareness and make AFE’s resources easier to access.
- Expanded Sustainabloom as a free, research-based sustainability resource for the entire floral supply chain. In 2026, the program received Greenhouse Grower’s Spotlight Award for its industry impact.
- Continued investing in our next generation through scholarships, internships, the Young Professionals Council, and the new Professional Development & Leadership Webinar Series.
- Strengthened AFE’s long-term foundation through Fondos nominativos, including six new funds established this year.
- Launched a redesigned Fondo de Marketing Floral website, making important consumer research and marketing resources easier to access.
- Reached our 65th anniversary with more than $23 million invested back into the floral industry since AFE’s founding.
Our industry continues to evolve, bringing new challenges and opportunities. Research is becoming more complex and costly, developing the next generation requires continued investment, and businesses need reliable resources to adapt. At the same time, outside funding sources are becoming less certain.
That makes AFE’s role more important than ever. For more than six decades, the Endowment has provided a way for the floral industry to invest in itself, creating a lasting foundation of resources, opportunities, and solutions for generations.
None of what we have accomplished would have been possible without AFE’s dedicated staff, Board of Trustees, donors, volunteers, researchers, educators, industry partners, and supporters. Thank you for your commitment and confidence in AFE.
As my term concludes, I look forward to serving as Immediate Past Chairman and supporting our incoming Chairman, Art Van Wingerden of Metrolina Greenhouses. I am confident AFE will continue building on the strong foundation so many have helped create.
I leave you with the same invitation I shared when my term began: get involved. The future of floriculture belongs to all of us. Whether through a contribution, volunteering your expertise, hosting an intern, sharing our resources, or helping others understand AFE’s impact, there is a role for everyone.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as Chairman. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and excited to see what the next 65 years will bring.
Atentamente,
David García
Pete Garcia Company/Garcia Group
Presidente, American Floral Endowment
