Highlighting the Success of Former Interns & Scholars

For decades, the American Floral Endowment (AFE) has supported the floriculture industry through research and education that have been instrumental in improving the sector’s future outlook. But just as important are the financial and hands-on opportunities our programs provide for the industry's future workforce.  “Our internships and scholarships are a way in which up-and-coming industry professionals can further their education and experience. But for the industry as a whole, they also provide solid ground in developing a talent pipeline that will ensure the industry remains strong and thriving for decades to come,” said Debi Chedester, CAE, AFE's Executive Director. As National Intern Day is celebrated around the country on July 31, we are celebrating the tremendous impact internships provided through AFE…

A New Era for Giving: Why Industry Support Matters More Than Ever

New Tax Rules & Industry Needs Make Giving More Important Than Ever As the floral industry continues to face rising research costs, persistent labor shortages, and increasing competition for young talent, one thing is clear: we can no longer rely on uncertain federal funding or outdated support systems to fuel growth and innovation. Now more than ever, the industry must take responsibility for investing in its future, and that begins with supporting nonprofit charitable organizations like the American Floral Endowment (AFE). For over 60 years, AFE has been the floral industry’s trusted source for funding groundbreaking research, offering scholarships and internships to develop the next generation, and supporting industry-wide education. These programs don’t just happen – they depend on contributions…

R.I.S.E. to Support Fundraising Campaign Surpasses Goal

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is thrilled to announce that their annual fundraiser, R.I.S.E. to Support 2025, has surpassed its goal, raising over $130,000 for the floral industry. This remarkable achievement highlights the unwavering commitment and unity of the floral industry in advancing growth through research, education, scholarships, and internships.  From May 15 to June 30, 2025, the fully virtual campaign engaged the floral community in support of the Endowment’s core programs. The theme of R.I.S.E. – Research, Internships, Scholarships, and Education – underscores AFE’s dedication to nurturing every facet of the floral sector. This year’s goal was set at $100,000, and thanks to the generosity of sponsors and contributors, we raised an impressive $136,000 from over 115 dedicated donors. You can see the…

Memorial Tribute Established Honoring Frank Biddle

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of floral industry champion Frank Biddle. A memorial tribute has been created through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) honoring Francis “Frank” Biddle, who passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the age of 60. The tribute was established by Frank’s industry friends Steve Dionne of Wafex USA, Chris Drummond of Penny’s by Plaza Flowers, Greg Coleman of Mayfield Florist, and Ken Young of Phoenix Flower Shops in recognition of his leadership, innovation, and lifelong dedication to the floral industry. Frank was a bold and visionary entrepreneur whose influence helped reshape floral commerce across the Americas. After earning a degree in International Studies from Juniata College and relocating to southern California, Frank…

From the Field: Let’s Catch Up!

Happy Summer, everyone!  Are you starting to feel it in the air...? That familiar feeling of excitement and anticipation?  Yep, that buzzing feeling can only mean one thing: summer trade shows and conferences! Summer is my favorite season, and these shows are a big reason why. Whether it’s Cultivate (join us there!), AIFD, Ball Customer Days, Far West, ASHS, or the SAF Annual Convention, these events always feel a bit like a school reunion to me: seeing familiar faces, catching up on everything that's happened since last year's show, and enjoying a shared energy that reminds us why we love this industry. A recent tour that AFE Executive Director, Debi Chedester, and I went on at Smithers Oasis, in Kent,…

AFE-Sponsored Events at Cultivate’25!

Catch up with AFE at Cultivate'25! Held from July 15-18 in Columbus, Ohio, Cultivate is one of the industry’s leading horticulture events. AFE-funded research will be featured in an educational session that will equip you with valuable insights and strategies for effective pest management. Additionally, we are holding a sustainability roundtable (invite-only) to collaborate with industry members from all segments and collect feedback on key topics of sustainability. We will also be hosting our annual Young Professionals Council meetup during Cultivate! If you haven’t already, register for Cultivate here. Managing Thrips Parvispinus: Strategies for Prevention and Control Date: Sunday, July 13 from 11:15-12:15pm ESTLocation: Room C170Speaker: Dr. Rose Buitenhuis, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Thrips parvispinus, a tropical thrips originating…

A New Wave of Floriculture Talent: Meet the 2025 AFE Interns

This spring, nine exceptional students have been awarded internships through AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program and Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program. These talented students are stepping up to gain invaluable hands-on experience in top industry operations across the nation. The Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program places students at commercial production greenhouses or nurseries for three-, four-, or six-month durations and provides a scholarship of up to $6,000, depending on the length of their internship. The Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program places students at leading floral retail, wholesale, or supplier businesses for a period of 10-16 weeks, with a $2,000 scholarship upon their completion of the program.  Both programs offer valuable opportunities for both the floral industry and…

Managing Thrips Parvispinus: New Research on Cultural and Biological Control

Over the past few years, Thrips parvispinus has emerged as a serious threat to ornamental greenhouse crops across North America. First reported in Florida in 2020 on Hoya and Anthurium, this invasive thrips has now been detected in greenhouse ornamentals, peppers, and landscape plants in the southeastern U.S., and more recently in Ontario. While it can’t survive winters outdoors in Canada and parts of the northern U.S., its wide host range—including Mandevilla, Dipladenia, Schefflera, Ficus, and peppers—means it has the potential to cause significant damage wherever susceptible crops are grown. Thrips parvispinus male (left) and female (right) Growers have reported stunted growth, leaf streaking, and floral damage that reduce crop quality and marketability. Complicating matters, T. parvispinus is suspected of…

Why Industry Support for Research Matters Now More Than Ever

By Laura Barth, Research Coordinator Recent conversations across the horticulture and floriculture community have indicated that many of our crucial university-based research programs are at risk of setbacks, eroding decades of progress and new developments. In the April issue of Greenhouse Grower Magazine, editor Brian Sparks highlighted how ongoing federal funding freezes are straining horticultural research efforts nationwide. At the same time, we followed up with a targeted survey to better understand what researchers are facing.  Respondents from leading institutions shared their stories: rescinded job offers, halted graduate student funding, hiring freezes, and the disruption of long-term research projects. Some anticipate losing more than $1 million in future federal support. Others are scaling back programs that took decades to build.…

2025-2026 Research Funding Addressing Industry Challenges

In 2025-2026, the American Floral Endowment (AFE) is funding 12 research projects for a total of $636,525. The four new projects and eight continuing projects focus on topics such as pest management, disease control, post-production, and technology in floriculture. By supporting these projects, AFE helps drive the continued growth of floriculture, contributing to the industry’s advancement through practical solutions and innovation. "We are proud to support research that addresses both immediate and long-term challenges in floriculture. These projects provide practical solutions for today’s growers while laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient future,” Laura Barth, AFE Research Coordinator, said. “We look forward to following the results of these studies and how they will contribute to the continued growth…

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