Career Center Gift Card Winner

Congratulations to Xuan (Jade) Wu for winning the gift card raffle offered to students who uploaded their resumes to our newly launched AFE Career Center. Jade is a student at Texas A & M University. We highly encourage all to participate in using our Career Center services as a tool to help our industry grow. We greatly appreciate her for taking the time to contribute. Here is what she has to say. “As a Ph.D. student graduating in May and eagerly seeking a job position, I was so excited to know the launch of the new AFE career center. I’ve always been hoping to find a career searching platform specifically for the floral industry. Thanks to AFE for making this…

#InThisTogether

#InThisTogether –It’s ever changing! The government regulations, shutdowns, restrictions, emotional toll and economic challenges that COVID-19 is having on individuals, businesses and families. While everyone is doing their best to adapt, one thing’s for certain – it’s scary, overwhelming and stressful.AFE’s role in the industry is one of industry growth through scientific research, education and educational programs, and recruitment of young professionals through internships and scholarships.  As the industry’s nonprofit funding source for these programs, we’ve been seeking to ensure our interns are safe, while coordinating with researchers and universities, and those administering educational grants to assure they get the support they need to get through this.With the increase in shutdowns and stay at home orders, university research has slowed,…

AFE Update for Supporters and Industry Members

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has been and continues to closely monitor new developments with respect to COVID-19 and is taking proactive measures to ensure that COVID-19 does not impact our services. In response to current social distancing and pro-active quarantining measures, AFE’s staff is working remotely but continues to be committed to the important work we do with researchers, students, and for you, our industry stakeholders.We know the floral industry doesn’t stop.   We will continue our work, keep you informed of new programs and/or resources, look after our student interns and research projects, and provide information to help you navigate through these extremely challenging times.  You’ll continue to receive our regular monthly newsletters but we will not inundate you with unnecessary communications.Let’s promote what our…

2018- 2019 Annual Report: A Year of Partnerships & Growth

This year’s annual report includes great successes thanks to the support of industry organizations and individuals who contribute to AFE’s funded programs.This year alone, an enormous amount of research, scholarships, internships, and educational grants was distributed to promote and build the floral industry. This funding will go on to impact thousands.While we are sharing these successes with you, there’s still more work to be done. That’s where YOU can help.The challenges our industry faces continue to grow and the need for funding to provide practical solutions to these challenges has never been greater.Partner with us TODAY and help increase funding to programs that provide for industry growth! Your tax-deductible contribution will support:Bringing Top Talent to our Industry: Through our newly…

AFE Announces Ferriss Horticulture Scholarship

The American Floral Endowment announces a new scholarship fund to honor and recognize Dr. Terry Ferriss.Dr. Ferriss retired in 2015 from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF), after 36 years of teaching. She was the first tenured female faculty member in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at UWRF; the first woman to serve as the Plant and Earth Sciences Department chair, and the first woman to serve as an associate dean for the college.Terry served as a faculty advisor and supporter of the AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship committee for 14 years. Following Terry’s retirement, UWRF alumni joined forces with AFE to establish a new scholarship to forever honor Ferriss and her devotion to horticulture and…

AFE Launches Career Center for the Floral Industry

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has launched a new industry-wide Career Center to connect floral industry employers with job seekers, students, and other professionals pursuing careers in the floriculture and horticulture fields.Within the new AFE Career Center’s intuitive platform, powered by YM Careers, employers can easily post job opportunities, screen and manage applications, and access a resume database of targeted candidates.  Job seekers will find it equally easy to post their resume and search for jobs and/or internships that match their skills and interests. The platform is completely mobile-responsive ― users can access it anytime, anywhere.“Finding qualified, dedicated employees is one of the greatest challenges facing the floriculture industry. The Endowment maintains close connections with students, young professionals, floral businesses, and horticulture…

AFE Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year Award

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has announced the Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year award. Designed to recognize an outstanding student who has participated in the Vic & Margaret Ball Internship program, this award pays special tribute to the late Dr. Paul Thomas, retired professor at the University of Georgia, who passed away in 2019.The Vic & Margaret Ball Internship program was established in 1992 to provide students the opportunity to gain practical experience while training at a commercial production greenhouse or nursery. Students intern away from home/school for a period of 3-6 months and receive a scholarship upon completion – up to $6,000!All students who successfully complete a Vic & Margaret Ball Internship will automatically qualify for this annual recognition, which includes paid…

Now Accepting: Educational Grant Applications

The American Floral Endowment is now accepting applications for Educational Grants for 2020. Applications are available online and must be submitted by the deadline ofJune 1, 2020. Educational grants help fund programs that are wide-reaching educational endeavors that solve industry needs and challenges and focus on attracting young people to the industry. Last year, the Endowment funded over $47,000 in educational grants. Examples of programs funded through AFE educational grants: The National Floriculture Forum, which unites professors, extension specialists, graduate students, scientists and other industry leaders for a multi-day collaborative meeting that addresses important floriculture issues. National Industry Convention or Event Programs, collaborating and sponsoring national and state association educational programs. Seed Your Future, a national movement created to attract more talented young people…

My SNA and MANTS Experiences

By YPC Member, Mary LewisOn occasion, graduate students are released from their offices and classrooms and allowed to attend events with people from our industry. For me, the first event of the year is the SNA/MANTS conference and trade show.SNA, or the Southern Nursery Association, is an intimate event that takes place two days before MANTS (Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show) starts. SNA’s purpose is to provide a space and time to provide training, presentation of research, predict economic forecasts for the new year, highlight the new and unusual plant material, and build community amongst nurserymen and related industry leaders.After those two days, things begin to get hectic. Fun little fact, MANTS celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, and crowds reflected…

Research Proposals Being Accepted for 2020-2021 Funding Cycle

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is calling for research proposal applications for the 2020-2021 funding cycle.Secure funding for your floriculture research project by applying before the June 1, 2020 deadline.The primary research funding priorities are relevant to all segments of the floral industry and include:Postharvest TechnologyProduction TechnologyAdvanced Breeding Technology, including CRISPRLong-Term Storage and Shipping Conditions for Cut Flowers, Bedding and Potted PlantsAutomation and Technology Leading to Labor SavingsBotrytis Control and ManagementThrips Control and ManagementAFE’s new research proposal application process established last year allows for a single application form to be used to help streamline the researcher’s request for funding.Research projects can last from one to three years and any reasonable but justifiable budget will be considered.For the current 2019-2020 cycle, the Endowment is funding more…

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