R.I.S.E. to Support Floral Between May 15-June 30! Donate Now

Transitioning from Classroom to Industry – Students Prepare for Internships

Twelve exceptional students from colleges and universities around the U.S. are embarking on new professional development journeys as they begin their internships through AFE’s prestigious Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program and Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program. These students are off to put their classroom knowledge to use as they gain important hands-on experience at production and retail operations.There is no doubt this will be a life-changing experience for each one of these students. Follow along with our interns on our social media accounts (listed below), where they will be sharing videos showcasing their experiences along the way! Past intern, Erin Sparks, shares her experience on how her internship impacted her:“I gained so much valuable experience working with professional growers…

Make New Sustainability Practices Your Business Reality

Sustainability isn’t just water conservation or recycling; it can be so much more, such as sustainable investing or creating culture first leadership, says Dr. Melinda Knuth, assistant professor of horticulture at North Carolina State University, speaking at the 2023 Floriexpo convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Knuth is co-leading the American Floral Endowment’s floriculture sustainability project with NC State’s Dr. Brian Jackson.Read more about the project here: https://endowment.org/sustainability/.“Some of these practices may be familiar or have existed for some time but have new products that are reinvigorating the category. Some practices are completely new ideas that have come about in the last year.” Dr. Knuth says.During an education session at the business-to-business floral show, Dr. Knuth shared some of the…

Become a Media Partner! R.I.S.E. Sharable Ads

Support The Floral Industry – Share Our Campaign Ads!While a sponsorship or donation goes a long way in funding more resources for floral, you can also contribute by downloading, sharing, and publishing our 2023 Campaign ads through June 30th. By sharing these ads through your esteemed publications, website, or social media platforms, you not only play a pivotal role in helping us raise vital funds, but also contribute to the continued growth and success of our industry as a whole. Select your preferred ad(s) from our website, download, and share with your network to support us as we R.I.S.E. up to support the industry together. The campaign runs until June 30th. Please be sure to tag AFE on social media and…

The Driving Forces of Sustainability

Remember when organic labels appeared before an official organic definition? We are at the same moment with sustainability.Sustainability can be thought of as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” as defined by the 1987 United Nations Brundtland Commission, yet details in this space are certainly lacking.The semantic openness of sustainability is not something to be managed or eliminated, and it doesn’t lead to meaninglessness. Instead, this is a moving, living definition. For AFE’s floriculture sustainability project, we offer framings of pre-existing notions of sustainable development and use calls to action to transform theory into practice for stakeholders.At the same time, we have to be careful not to greenwash…

A Look at the Next Generation of Floricultural Scientists, Educators, and Leaders

We are so pleased to announce this year’s Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family Scholars! Congratulations to these incredible young professionals!These six individuals have a plethora of accomplishments in the industry and have their sights set on even further growth. AFE strives to uplift young professionals and support them as they pursue futures in our industry.  Our Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family scholarships specifically help fund the education of full-time graduate students pursuing a career in horticulture or floriculture – the next generation of floricultural scientists, educators, and leaders. These scholars represent the best of the best in their fields and we are happy to highlight each of their unique experiences, passions, and accomplishments that led them to where…

R.I.S.E. to Support: 2023 Fundraising Campaign

2023 Fundraising CampaignHeld Virtually Between Monday, May 15 – Friday, June 30 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, AFE is conducting our annual virtual fundraising campaign. This year’s new 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; We are welcoming the industry to R.I.S.E. up with us to help fund ongoing success and support for all segments, ages, and levels. AFE can only continue to provide funding and programs for our industry with the support of…

AFE’s Laura Barth Inducted into GPN Magazine’s 40 Under 40

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is pleased to announce that AFE’s Research Coordinator, Laura Barth, has been inducted into Greenhouse Product News (GPN) Magazine’s 12th Annual 40 Under 40, Class of 2023. This accolade recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of 40 young professionals under the age of 40 who are making a difference within the horticulture industry.The individuals honored with this distinction were nominated by their peers and selected for their remarkable achievements in their personal and professional lives. They have demonstrated “superior leadership, creativity, compassion, and innovative thinking,” which are the hallmarks of this award.Laura’s induction into the 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 acknowledges her passion and dedication to the horticulture industry, as well as her innovative…

Memorial Tribute Established in Memory of Marc van Iersel

Marc was the Vincent J. Dooley Professor of Horticulture at the University of Georgia, where he spent most of his career from 1995 on. Marc oversaw the UGA Horticulture Physiology Laboratory focused on photosynthesis and light use efficiency research. He also worked on applied research in controlled agriculture environments. As a professor of horticulture, Marc developed biofeedback systems that measure soil moisture and use optical sensors to automatically control the amount of water and light provided to plants in greenhouses and vertical farms. The results had lasting impacts leading to happier, healthier plants with a smaller carbon footprint and cost. Marc was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including the 2019 UGA Entrepreneur of the Year and fellow of…

Calling All Researchers! Research Proposal Applications Now Open

Calling all University Researchers! AFE is now accepting new research proposal applications for the 2024-2025 funding cycle. The application deadline is August 1, 2023. Apply through our new online platform here. Research Director Dr. Terril Nell and Research Coordinator Laura Barth will be holding a webinar on Thursday, May 11th, at 2 pm (Eastern) to go over the application process and answer any questions that you have. Register here for the webinar. Topics covered will include: Application Timeline, from Submission to Notification Overview of our NEW Online Application Portal Research Priorities What Makes a Good Proposal? Requirements for Funded Projects Q & A Session  Register for the Webinar Funding innovative research is a critical pillar of AFE’s mission to be…

2023 Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year Announced

2023 Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year AwardsRecognizing Talent and Passion from Across the NationEach year through the Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Program, AFE has the opportunity to match promising future horticulturists with top production greenhouses across the nation. These students get to see first-hand what it’s like to work at top floriculture facilities, train under industry experts, and gain insight into their future career paths. Each intern is hand-picked and placed based on their wide range of experiences, perspectives, and unique studies. Students who successfully finish their internship, including completing a written report and multiple video blogs, are eligible for our Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year Award. Last year, one intern stood out from…

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