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AFE 2019 Altman Family Scholars

AFE’s 2019 Altman Family Scholars: Paul Cockson, Yiyun Lin, and David TorkThe Altman Family Scholarship was created in 2015 by Ken and Deena Altman—owners of Altman Plants—as one of the numerous efforts supported by the couple to improve education and research for the industry. The scholarship provides $5,000 to assist in funding the education of full-time graduate students (MS or Ph.D.) who will become leading floricultural scientists and educators. Ken Altman has been actively involved in AFE’s Education and Scholarship Committees and has served on the AFE Board for more than a decade, currently in an Emeritus status.This year, the Altman Fund is supporting three graduate students currently enrolled in masters programs at leading institutions. All three not only are already engaged in…

Internships Making a Difference!

For students and the industry In the last year alone, AFE has awarded and placed over 20 students in paid internships at leading floral industry organizations. Internships provide a hands-on learning experience to further classroom experience and create lasting connections in the industry while discovering interests. Students can decide what size, type, and location they are looking for in employment post-graduation. While there is no guarantee, many of our interns receive a full-time position as a result of their internship. As an organization who acts as an internship host, you will be doing your part to ensure the future of the floral industry. By attracting young professionals, you will be addressing a dire need in the industry. Additionally, you will…

The Latest on Pollinators

Impacts and Residual Longevity of Systemic Insecticides on Pollinators in Ornamental Plant Production System As floriculture professionals, we value the importance of flowers to human well-being and seek sustainable production systems that enhance the environment and preserve habitat for bees, birds and other wildlife. Over the last few years, there has been the perception that the use of Neonic pesticides at any level and at any time are harmful to bees and has led to declines in bee populations. The cause of bee decline is complex involving climate change, insects and diseases that kill bees and loss of habitat among other causes. Floricultural growers understand that although bees do not usually visit flowering crops grown in greenhouses, bees can be…

Shelby Shy Memorial Tribute Established

She served as AFA’s president and on their board. Shelby is a former president of the Arkansas Florists Association. She was also actively involved in the Society for American Florists, as a volunteer group leader who helped with regional educational sessions and served on their Consumer Marketing Committee. She holds the SAF honor of being a member of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF.) “Shelby brought such a beautiful energy and positivity – and innovation – to her contributions to SAF. She was so generous with her ideas as a member of our committees and councils,” said SAF CEO Kate Penn. “Anything we asked her to do – whether take part in an article, or develop and lead a program…

Winners and Doers

This year’s Paul Ecke Jr. and Altman Family scholars are horticulture superstars! Authored by Bruce Wright Looking for reasons to feel optimistic about the future of the floral industry? Meet these four brilliant, engaging young people committed to making it better—recipients of this year’s AFE Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family Scholarships. All four are graduate students in plant science who are already doing research that could quickly translate into new and improved varieties and increased flower longevity. What’s even more encouraging is the quality of leadership demonstrated by all four recipients. There is no doubt they are already taking their place among the industry’s innovators and ambassadors. For those who aren’t directly involved in the breeding and growing end…

Pete and Brenda Garcia: Getting Ahead by Doing the Right Thing

Pete and Brenda Garcia

Seven Students Awarded AFE Intern Scholarships

Seven students selected to receive AFE internships from the March cycle of applicants. Five students were awarded Vic & Margaret Ball Internships and two students were awarded a Mosmiller Internship. Each will receive scholarships after successfully completing their paid internships, lasting between three to six months. It’s a win-win for the industry – students can apply their knowledge, while industry organizations bring top talent and fresh thinking to their operation. “AFE’s internship programs provide students with the hands-on experience students need to put their classroom knowledge to use in the real world and prepare them for the workplace after graduation while providing the industry with top talent,” says AFE Executive Director, Debi Chedester. “By hosting an intern, each participating organization has the opportunity to…

Flower Summit: An Industry Collaboration

AFE recently participated in the latest Flower Summit meeting, which was held in Washington D.C. on March 13, 2019. Started in 2014, Flower Summit meetings allow for a designated time for national associations to come together to determine the best ways to benefit the industry through each of their individual organization’s resources. The group focuses on collaborating to advance the industry as a whole and therefore benefit their members.“Defining and developing programs and initiatives to promote and improve our industry is a priority for all of our organizations. With limited funding and resources, it makes perfect sense to collaborate with these national and international organizations to ensure we are all aware of all ongoing efforts and to partner together when…

Indoor Lighting for the Production of Floriculture Transplants

Erik Runkle, Michigan State UniversityAn exciting new way to produce floriculture crop seedlings and rooted cuttings (transplants) is indoors, where the environment can be controlled to produce uniform plants on demand. This growing technique enables control of the light spectrum using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce plants with desired attributes such as compact growth and early or late flowering, whichever is desired. We are currently in the second year of our project supported by the American Floral Endowment.Our team of students and research technicians is performing experiments in the Controlled Environment Lighting Laboratory (CELL). We are pleased to share our results to date through a five-part series of articles in GrowerTalks magazine. Below is a list of the article topics,…

Now Accepting Applications for 2020 Scholarships

Applications are now being accepted for 24 different scholarships through the American Floral Endowment (AFE)., junior, senior and graduate students studying floriculture and horticulture must submit their applications online by the May 1 deadline.Abigail Keairns – Murray State University 2019 Armellini Scholarship recipientScholarships range from $500 to $6,000.In 2019, the Endowment awarded up to $42,300 in scholarships.“AFE strives to support the next generation of industry members in any way we can. One of the ways we do this is through awarding scholarships to help ease their financial burdens,” said Greg Royer, Chairman of Royers Flowers & Gifts and AFE Education Committee Chair.More than 24 scholarships are awarded to assist students in pursuing a career in horticulture or floriculture. Scholarships are available for students…

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