Smithers-Oasis/FLORALIFE® partner with AFE for end-of-year gift-matching challenge

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Nov.1, 2018 – Friends of the floral industry, are you ready for year two of the AFE Challenge? Smithers-Oasis/ FLORALIFE® is, once again, partnering with the American Floral Endowment (AFE) to support AFE’s vital work that gives so much to the cut flower industry.Today, you have the opportunity to support the Endowment, even MORE, thanks to the Matching Gift AFE Challenge issued by Smithers-Oasis/FLORALIFE®.Now through December 31, 2018, Smithers-Oasis/FLORALIFE® will match your donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000. In other words, when you give your support to AFE, you’re not only investing in the future of the floral industry – you are DOUBLING your contribution!AFE is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the floral industry through scholarships, grants, and internship programs. It funds research in floriculture and environmental horticulture for the benefit…

Gus De Hertogh Memorial Tribute Established

Gus was raised in Chicago and began his career in neighboring Michigan, at Michigan State University, in 1965. Here, he worked with Dutch exporters on tackling challenges with flower bulbs. At the time, it was not yet possible to effectively control the flowering of tulips or other bulbs following overseas shipment from The Netherlands, the world’s largest producer. They began what is known as the Flower-Bulb Project, a collaborative effort between the Dutch Bulb Exporters Association and the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University. For the next 35 years, he would continue to research flower bulbs. In 1978, Gus relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he would serve as the chairman of the Department of Horticulture Science at North…

AFE Hits the Road to PMA

Last month, AFE joined thousands of floral industry members and traveled to the Produce Marketing Association (PMA)’s 2018 Fresh Summit held in Orlando, Florida. And what a show it was!PMA’s CEO Cathy Burns presented The Forum for the Future State of the Industry, during which, she focused on technology, robotics, e-commerce and the many opportunities for the future of the industry. Burns also announced the launch of PMA’s new produce and safety certification program.The topics addressed in workshops held through the summit included transportation, global trade and other business focuses.Another topic was leading through adversity, which keynote speaker and two-time Super Bowl Champion, Peyton Manning offered his experience on. Not only was Manning’s presentation motivating, but he was also just…

AFE Appoints New Chairman and Trustees

AFE announced that Jim Daly, VP of Floralife/Smithers-Oasis has been elected to serve a two-year term as AFE Chairman.His appointment began during the AFE Annual Fundraising Dinner in Palm Springs, CA. Jim replaces Dwight Larimer of DESIGN MASTER color tool, inc. who served as Chairman for the past two years and will remain on the Board for two additional years as Past Chairman.Jim joined the AFE Board in 2012 and since that time has served on the AFE Research Committee. Most recently he has served as Chairman of the Research Committee.AFE also announced four new industry members joining their AFE Board.All will serve a three-year term and can be re-appointed for a second term. AFE Trustees are industry leaders who…

Message from the Chairman

   It is an exciting time to be in the floral industry, and I am looking forward to serving as the AFE Chairman of the Board for the next two years.It looks like supplies have stabilized for floriculture products both in domestic and international markets. Retailers – namely, florists, supermarkets and big boxes – are doing well. Data predicts a growth of 2-3% in the near future for the ornamental market.Through industry support, AFE continues its mission to fund even more floriculture research, internships, scholarships and programs that solve industry challenges and strengthen the industry.In partnership with the Society of American Florists, AFE is now reviewing and recommending projects for funding through the Floral and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI). SAF’s major…

Road Trip to Canada!

AFE held this year’s August board and committee meetings in Niagara Falls, Ontario in conjunction with tours to Orchard Park Growers, Westbrook Greenhouses, Schenck Farms and an afternoon with researchers at Vineland Research & Innovation Centre.Our first stop, Orchard Park Growers, in St. Catharines, Ontario was established in 1969 as a family-run fruit farm. The land was fully transitioned to floral greenhouses in 2000. Head Grower Matthew Terlouw, Propagation Grower Joelle Eisses and Operations Manager Karl Schouwenaar showed us their site.Next, we visited Westbrook Greenhouses, which has been in operation for over 50 years. Westbrook Greenhouses is a major distributor to local growers in both Canada and the United States. We were given a tour of their operations. There we…

AFE Fundraising Dinner 2018

The AFE 42nd Annual Fundraising Dinner, scheduled in conjunction with the SAF Annual Convention in Palm Springs, California was held on Thursday, September 13, 2018. The evening was full of celebration; we recognized two years’ worth of new named funds, donor giving-levels and AFE accomplishments (last year’s event was canceled due to Hurricane Irma.)The night concluded with a special gift given to our Past-Chairman, Dwight Larimer, as he hands over the position to the incoming Chairman, Jim Daly. We thank Dwight for all he has done for the Endowment and are thankful he will serve on the Board for two more years.  Other special thanks of the night go to: 50+ sponsors (see below) 20 organizations who have helped to…

Gay Smith Memorial Tribute Established

She grew up in suburban Phoenix and attended the University of Arizona studying environmental horticulture. After college, she relocated to San Francisco and began working at a local florist in the late 1970s. Smith eventually found her way to the San Francisco Flower Market where she worked for Kitayama Brothers, filling and hauling buckets of carnations and roses. By 1981, she had made a name for herself as the first female manager working among the male-dominated world of growers and wholesalers at the market. She introduced the market to the idea of importing flowers from Holland, Israel and South America, and became an expert on unusual, unique blooms and their post-harvest needs. Smith was hired to open a small export…

Gay Smith Memorial Tribute Established

A memorial tribute has been established with AFE honoring Gayle (Gay) Smith, 63, who passed away on March 1, 2018.The tribute was established thanks to a generous contribution from Chrysal Americas President Jim Kaplan. Smith served as the technical manager for Chrysal for more than 18 years.“We are honored to establish the Gay Smith Memorial Tribute on behalf of our staff, clients and the entire industry,” said Kaplan.“Gay was part of the Chrysal family and she will be missed tremendously. This memorial tribute with AFE is a fitting salute to her dedication not only to our company, but to the industry she loved.”Smith was an active member of the industry and a great supporter of all things floriculture. Her career…

2016-2017 Annual Report Features New Projects and Industry Programs

The Endowment released its annual report, which details the successes accomplished and funding received for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.See how AFE-funded programs and research projects are providing solutions to tough industry issues, thanks to supporters like you, and take advantage of the free resources available!Highlights include:#FlowerLoveVideoContest – initiative that encouraged flower lovers to create fun videos to be eligible to win one of three monetary prizes. More than 50 video entries were received, and provided florists with a FREE video library to help promote the use and giving of fresh flowers to new and existing customers.Botrytis and Thrips Research Campaign – addresses the control and management of Botrytis and thrips by raising money to conduct new and innovative research, which…

Get Involved with AFE

Make an Impact

Ways to Give

Volunteer With Us

Opportunities