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…

Preparing for Mother’s Day 2023 – Tips and Trends

As a part of our focus on fostering the next generation of floral industry members, AFE is pleased to feature content directly from members of our Young Professionals Council (YPC)! This article on Mother’s Day 2023 comes directly from Gina Tarquinio, a floral designer at An Enchanted Florist at Skippack Village. This piece contains photos of some of Gina’s floral designs (view Gina’s portfolio here). Mother’s Day is right around the corner on Sunday, May 14th. This holiday is traditionally known for taking the time to show extra love and appreciation for Moms and Mother figures in our lives. According to the National Retail Federation, Mother’s Day is the 3rd most lucrative holiday in the industry, following Valentine’s Day and Christmas/Hanukkah. Mother’s Day is responsible for…

Applications Open for 2023 Educational Grants

We are now accepting applications for 2023-2024 Educational Grants. The deadline for submission is June 1, 2023.AFE’s Educational Grants help fund wide-reaching industry learning programs that provide solutions and focus on ongoing and new educational opportunities. The Endowment is committed to providing funding for various resources that empower the floral industry to invest in continued education. These grants provide financial assistance to support educational opportunities of all kinds, including national industry conventions, event programs, or virtual events. The grants allow AFE 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…

Discount Available: 2023 Greenhouse Training Online

AFE is a proud sponsor and supporter of the following 4-week award-winning certificate courses from UF/IFAS Extension. Increase your productivity, employee knowledge, and skills with the University of Florida IFAS Extension’s online training program taught by experienced university professors. All Greenhouse Training Online courses are taught in both English and Spanish. Click Here to View the Program Flyer in both English and Spanish The first course of the year, Greenhouse 101, starts on May 29, 2023. Each course is completely online and includes pre-recorded videos, an interactive discussion board, and quizzes. The course material is available any time of the day, and new modules are activated each week during the course for the four weeks of each course, for a…

Planning for the Future Means Training for the Future

We’re all familiar with the term “cross-training” as a great way of developing fitness. Training in several different sports and disciplines allows a person to work more muscles and improve agility. Cross-training makes it easier to participate in a variety of recreational sports successfully. Following that same principle, cross-training in business improves the fitness and overall health of your company and your employees.Businesses of all sizes should think of cross-training as a disaster recovery plan. Better yet, an established cross-training program can be a way to avoid disaster. With many variables impacting the workplace, especially at the small business level, recruiting, hiring, and retaining good team members is challenging. In all segments of the floriculture industry, employers face tremendous demands…

Empowering the Future Leaders of Floriculture

AFE’s Personal Leadership Course for Young ProfessionalsThe future will be led by the next generation of innovative, creative,and passionate floral professionals.At the American Floral Endowment, we know that fostering budding professionals and students will ensure that the industry continues to grow, evolve, and thrive. From January 31st – February 9th, the American Floral Endowment, in partnership with Smithers-Oasis, led a new Personal Leadership Course for Young Professionals.The course encouraged young professionals to launch into 2023 with a fresh look at their personal leadership skills. The course consisted of four sessions over the course of two weeks which explored personal leadership strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Through the course, the young professionals created both long and short-term personal development plans with measurable and trackable…

Immersed in the Floral Industry

AFE Board Meetings, Grower Tours, GLFEE + WF&FSA This month, the American Floral Endowment’s (AFE) Board of Trustees and Staff traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to connect with the industry by visiting with growers and attending the Great Lakes Floral and Event Expo  (GLFEE). While there, the Board held its committee and Board meetings. Following GLFEE, AFE staff and trustees continued on to Miami for WF&FSA.  Hands-On Commitment to the Industry – Board Meetings and Grower Tours Before the Expo, AFE Board members and staff met for their biannual Board and committee meetings to plan for another exciting year of AFE programs and initiatives. The Endowment’s Strategic Plan, which runs through 2025 – focuses on collaborating & partnering with the…

Newly Released! 2023 Grow Pro Webinar Series Lineup

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has released the full lineup for the 2023 monthly Grow Pro Webinar Series. In these free webinars, nationally recognized researchers, hosts, and speakers offer ‘how-to’ advice based on AFE-funded and other research projects to help the industry navigate through ever-changing growing challenges. Since May 2021, we have hosted these webinars each month. The topics are current and offer long-term opportunities for growers to focus on increased profit, greater sustainability, and improved labor efficiency. In addition, each session features a live Q&A discussion with industry experts. The series is provided free-of-charge and open to all, thanks to our generous sponsors. In addition, each webinar is recorded and posted to our YouTube where they can be accessed 24/7. Viewers can subscribe…

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