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Investing in Research for the Future of Northeast Horticulture

The New Hampshire Horticulture Research Fund Supporting meaningful horticulture research and education has long been a priority for growers throughout New Hampshire and the Northeast. The newly established New Hampshire Horticulture Research Fund brings that shared commitment together in partnership with the American Floral Endowment (AFE), creating a long-term resource dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and education that directly benefits the region’s horticulture industry. The New Hampshire Horticulture Research Fund will support scientific research and educational initiatives in horticulture and floriculture that benefit growers across New Hampshire and throughout the Northeast. The Fund is being established through past support and contributions to the New Hampshire Horticulture Endowment of the New Hampshire Plant Growers Association (NHPGA). Its purpose is to advance meaningful research, innovation, and education that support the long-term growth and sustainability of the…

Uplifting Future Educators and Scientists: 2026 Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family Scholarship Recipients

The future of floriculture is taking root in classrooms, greenhouses and research labs across the country, as the American Floral Endowment (AFE) announces the 2026 recipients of the prestigious Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family scholarships. Created to support the next generation of horticultural scientists and industry leaders, the scholarships recognize graduate students whose work is poised to shape the future of floriculture through innovation, research and education. Emily Eldridge, a master’s degree student at North Carolina State University, is the recipient of the 2026 Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship. Emily will receive a total of $10,000 ($5,000 each for two consecutive years) to help fund her education. Four students received the 2026 Altman Family Scholarship. Each recipient will receive $5,000…

AFE Trustees Visit UC Davis to See Research and Philanthropy in Action

Last month, members of our Board of Trustees and Staff had the opportunity to visit the University of California, Davis to see firsthand how AFE-funded research is advancing innovation for the floriculture industry. UC Davis, ranked among the top universities globally for agriculture and forestry, has long been a hub for cutting-edge agricultural research. During the visit, faculty and graduate students shared updates on their AFE-funded research and related collaborative efforts aimed at addressing key industry challenges. The day began with an overview of drone imaging technology. Dr. Christian Nansen and his team showcased how aerial imaging and remote sensing tools can help monitor crop health, detect stress or pest issues earlier, and eventually provide growers with more precise data…

Stories of Support and Growth

We can try to measure the impact of the American Floral Endowment (AFE) in the number of research projects we fund, scholarships awarded, or educational programs developed. But the true impact is best understood through the people whose careers, work, and businesses have been shaped by that support. Across the floral industry, from university labs to greenhouses and flower shops, our programs help turn ideas into solutions, support the next generation of professionals, and strengthen the industry’s future. That impact is possible because AFE was built with the future in mind. An endowment, by definition, requires foresight. It asks us to look beyond today’s challenges and consider what the industry will need tomorrow, five, ten, even twenty years from now.…

Art Van Wingerden Appointed AFE Chairman-Elect

The American Floral Endowment’s (AFE) Board of Trustees has appointed Art Van Wingerden, COO of Metrolina Greenhouses, as AFE’s Chairman-Elect. Art will begin his two-year term as Chairman in September 2026, succeeding current Chairman David Garcia of Pete Garcia Company/Garcia Group. Following his term as Chairman, David will continue his service to the organization for an additional two years as Past Chairman. Art’s appointment comes during a milestone year as AFE celebrates its 65th anniversary, an important reminder of the industry’s long-standing commitment to investing in research, education, and scholarships that strengthen floriculture for the future. As COO of Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, North Carolina, Art helps guide one of the largest and most innovative greenhouse operations in the country.…

Celebrating Milestones: Special Anniversaries in 2026

Each year, we take time to recognize and celebrate the meaningful milestones that reflect long-term commitments to our industry. In 2026, as the American Floral Endowment (AFE) celebrates 65 years of supporting research, education, and industry growth, we are also honored to recognize several Named Funds reaching significant anniversaries. These funds represent decades of vision, generosity, and belief in the future of floriculture. From scholarships that support students finding their path to research funds that improve flower quality and longevity, each has played an important role in advancing our industry. Celebrating 35 Years Carlson-Johnson Scholarship for Nontraditional Students For over three decades, the Carlson-Johnson Scholarship has helped open doors for students taking nontraditional paths into floriculture. Barbara Carlson, along with…

The August “Gus” and Mary Belle De Hertogh Scholarship: A Lasting Commitment to Floriculture Education 

Supporting students who are committed to building careers in floriculture has long been one of the core focuses of the American Floral Endowment. Continuing that commitment, the August “Gus” and Mary Belle De Hertogh Scholarship Fund is being established by Mary Belle De Hertogh in honor of her late husband, Gus, celebrating their shared belief in the power of education and their enduring commitment to supporting the next generation of floriculture professionals.  The new scholarship will provide financial support to undergraduate or graduate students who have demonstrated an interest in floriculture and who intend to pursue a career in the field after graduation. This scholarship will be awarded annually, with an application deadline of May 1, and preference given to students who have…

Thank You 2025 Donors

We extend our sincere thanks to our 2025 donors for your generosity and continued commitment to the floral industry. Your support throughout the year made it possible to close 2025 with strong momentum and invest meaningfully in the future of floriculture. This effort was strengthened by this year's special $25,000 gift match, made possible by a generous AFE donor. The first $25,000 in contributions were matched two-for-one, increasing the impact of every gift and helping extend the reach of AFE’s research, education, internship, and scholarship programs. Together, these contributions helped us reach our year-end fundraising goal, raising more than $177,000 to support the people and programs shaping the future of the floral industry. We are so grateful to everyone who…

New Scholarship Supports Global Floriculture Research

Some of the most meaningful opportunities in research come from stepping outside what’s familiar — new environments, new collaborators, new ways of thinking. A new Named Fund through AFE is designed to make those experiences possible for Ph.D. students in floriculture. Established in January 2026, the Royal Heins International Floriculture Research Scholarship Fund supports semester-long international research experiences that help Ph.D. students grow both scientifically and professionally. “I chose to work with AFE because it has a long-standing, trusted track record of supporting scholarships and research that advance the floriculture industry,” stated Dr. Heins.  Designed for Impact and Experience Created through a generous commitment from Dr. Royal Heins, Professor Emeritus at Michigan State University and longtime industry researcher, the scholarship…

Sixty-Five Years of Growing the Floral Industry Together

The floral industry thrives on beauty, creativity, and connection, but behind the scenes, progress depends on something just as vital: sustained investment in research, education, and people. For 65 years, the American Floral Endowment has quietly but powerfully fueled that progress. Founded in 1961, AFE was created by industry leaders who understood that the future of floriculture could not be left to chance. Our vision is simple, yet bold: fund the research and educational opportunities needed to keep the industry strong for generations to come. That vision has resulted in more than $23 million invested in research, scholarships, internships, and educational grants: support that has advanced science, opened doors for students, and strengthened businesses across the floral supply chain. Imagining…

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