News
From the Field: Still Growing at 65
June 22, 2026
It’s an exciting time at AFE—we’re having a birthday this year! Our 65th birthday, to be exact. It’s incredible to think about how far we’ve come and how many people have contributed to AFE’s legacy over the years. And yes, when I say “we,” I’m talking about you, too! Your support, feedback, and engagement are crucial to our mission and improving our resources.
There are a lot of things I could say when it comes to AFE’s impact on the industry, but one thing that continually inspires me is the confidence that organizations and industry leaders continue to place in AFE to steward and advance their research missions through dedicated funds. These partnerships expand our ability to provide solutions for growers and move the industry forward. One recent example of this is our newly announced New Hampshire Horticulture Research Fund. You can read more about it in this newsletter. We are very excited about the opportunities this fund will create to expand our research program and address challenges facing growers in the Northeast.
Another aspect of AFE’s legacy that inspires me is our commitment to making our resources as accessible as possible. To that end, you may have noticed a NEW Spanish translation feature on this issue of the newsletter. We hope this makes it easier for more members of our industry to access the research and educational content we provide. We welcome your feedback on this new feature so we can continue improving the experience for the many Spanish-speaking professionals in our industry.
Whether it’s investing in new research opportunities, supporting grower education, or expanding access to valuable industry resources, the heart of AFE’s mission remains the same today as it was 65 years ago: to strengthen the future of floriculture.
As we celebrate AFE’s 65th birthday this year, I hope you’ll consider joining the party by supporting our R.I.S.E. to Support 2026 annual fundraising campaign. There’s still time to make your tax-deductible gift! Together, we can continue building on AFE’s legacy and ensure that future generations of industry professionals have the resources, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Keep growing,
Laura
