The Fight Against Petal Blight

Researchers at Clemson University are looking into new ways to control Asteraceae petal blight, a fungal disease that causes specks and streaks to appear on the petals of certain flowers, making them unsellable. Their project seeks to minimize petal blight by finding the most common causal organisms, identifying them, and discovering the most effective strategies to combat them. One year into their project, they give an update on their work, and their plans for the next year! By Dr. Julia L. Kerrigan, Clemson University Our project was created in response to growers in the cut flower industry, particularly those in the Bogota, Colombia area, who face economic losses due to the occurrence of petal blight. Frequently, specks and streaks appear…

Celebrating & Providing for the Rising Stars of Floriculture

We love the chance to uplift young professionals in our industry! AFE has been active at a few industry events lately networking, promoting opportunities, and sharing educational programs with the best and brightest of the next generation. We firmly believe that today’s young professionals are tomorrow’s leaders - and we want to support them in every way we can!  Cultivate’24 in Columbus, Ohio AFE’s annual Board meeting coincided with Cultivate’24 in Columbus, Ohio, this year. We took advantage of this great opportunity to host a networking dinner with AFE’s Board, comprised of industry leaders across all segments, and invite members of our Young Professionals Council (YPC), program recipients, and other floral community supporters of the Endowment. We shared updates on…

Sustainable Pathogen Management in Specialty Cut Flower Production 

Cut flowers are among the most profitable floriculture products, worth $333 million in annual national sales (NASS, 2023). Cut flower producers include a diverse combination of large-scale international operations growing traditional crops such as roses, chrysanthemums, and carnations, and small-scale local operations growing specialty cut flower crops such as ranunculus, dahlias, and lisianthus, among many others. The floriculture industry has recently seen an increase in popularity and sales of these crops, with the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers boasting over 2,900 members (ASCFG, 2024), up from only 500 in 2014. However, soilborne diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes can cause significant losses, estimated to be 50-75% in crops grown directly in field soil, including ornamentals. Soilborne diseases are…

Research Proposal Applications Now Open for 2025-2026 Funding

Calling all University Researchers! We are now accepting new research proposal applications for the 2025-2026 funding cycle. The application deadline is August 1, 2024. Funding innovative research is a critical pillar of our mission to be the trusted source and catalyst for floriculture advancement. New research proposals should support forward-thinking exploration of cost and labor savings, pest and disease management, sustainability, and other solutions to promote not just healthier, longer-lasting flowers and plants, but a healthy and robust floriculture industry as well. The primary research priorities are listed below. They are focused on all floricultural crops, including fresh-cut flowers and greens, flowering and foliage potted plants, bedding plants, and perennials. Projects benefiting any industry segment, from grower to the consumer will be…

Empowering Growers with Research-Driven Strategies and Solutions

The increase in challenges growers face is never-ending. From the new thrips invasion, to disease management, to water and nutrition of crops, AFE is here to help!If you haven’t yet had a chance to participate in the American Floral Endowment (AFE)'s Grow Pro Webinar series, you and your team are missing out. Monthly educational webinars featuring nationally recognized researchers and speakers provide the latest research-driven strategies, solutions, and practical advice to help navigate through these ever-changing challenges.Webinars are presented on a Tuesday each month and are 30-40 minutes in length, plus a 15-minute question-and-answer period with the researchers. This is a unique opportunity for the audience to ask questions directly to the expert about issues they may be experiencing around the topic. “AFE is a leader…

AFE’s 2024 Fundraising Campaign: R.I.S.E. to Support!

R.I.S.E. up to support the floral industry! In an effort to continue to increase support for important research, education, and other floriculture programs to advance our industry, the American Floral Endowment (AFE) has launched its annual fundraising campaign running from May 15th through June 28th with a goal of $100,000 in industry support.  The Endowment's annual summer campaign theme touts the overall tagline of R.I.S.E., representing AFE’s core programs: Research, Internships, Scholarships, and Education for the floral industry. These resources are vital to the ongoing growth of floral; the Endowment is welcoming the industry to R.I.S.E. up with us to help fund ongoing success and support for all segments, ages, and levels. You can check out the campaign launch video featuring industry supporters and AFE's Chairman, Ken Young of Phoenix Flower Shops, by clicking here. Make a…

Funding Innovation for the Industry: 2024-2025 Research Projects

A core value of our mission is to help address industry challenges and struggles through the funding of cutting-edge research. We understand the important role research plays in sustaining our industry, and as a result, much of the research that has transformed industry practices in the past 60+ years has been sponsored by AFE, helping to provide longer-lasting, better-quality flowers and plants. We are committed to continuing to support advancements like this, and accept new proposals from researchers each year.  AFE’s Research Committee and the Society of American Florists Growers Council carefully review these proposals and evaluate them for their focus, reach, and benefit to the industry. If selected, an independent scientific peer review is carried out.  We are pleased…

Cultivating Excellence: Announcing the 2024 Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family Scholars

Six individuals dedicated to the horticulture industry have excelled in their fields, earning them scholar status in two prestigious educational funding programs through the American Floral Endowment (AFE). The Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family scholarships help fund the education of full-time graduate students pursuing a career in horticulture or floriculture. Those who receive the scholarships are rewarded for their accomplishments as they continue working toward growth in the industry. The 2024 recipients are Savannah Mead, West Virginia University, Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship, first year; Jack Bobo, North Carolina State University, Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship, second year; Greta Gallina, University of Georgia, Altman Family Scholarship; Jessica Brown, Michigan State University, Altman Family Scholarship; Haramrit Gill, Texas A&M University, Altman Family…

Applications Now Open for 2024-2025 Educational Grants

We are now accepting applications for our 2024-2025 Educational Grants. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2024. Our Educational Grants help fund wide-reaching industry learning programs that provide solutions and focus on ongoing and new educational opportunities. We are committed to providing funding for various resources that empower the floral industry to invest in continued education. These grants can provide financial assistance to support educational opportunities of all kinds, including national industry conventions, event programs, or virtual events, and they allow us to collaborate with and sponsor national, state, and local association educational programs. Working with important industry organizations including state and national nonprofits, and university programs, our funding helps current industry members, students, and young professionals expand their educational opportunities and professional development. Our…

AFE On the Road

The AFE team has been busy the past few weeks! From North Carolina, to California, our staff has been busy from coast to coast attending floral industry events, networking, and planning for the future! Staying connected with the industry allows us to see first-hand the impact of our programs and research, and allows us to hear directly from industry members about the challenges they’re facing so we can adapt our programs to help.  Read on to learn more about all of the AFE staff adventures so far in 2024! AFE Board Meeting and NC State Tour Twice a year, the AFE Board meets in person to engage in strategic discussions and review past, present, and upcoming initiatives, charting the course…

Get Involved with AFE

Make an Impact

Ways to Give

Volunteer With Us

Opportunities