News
Celebrating One Year of “From the Field”
September 18, 2025
Hello friends,
From the Field is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month! I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to write this column over the past year, and I’ve been fortunate to connect with so many of you since then, which has truly shaped the direction of this newsletter. Speaking with you and hearing your stories continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
As we begin another year of From the Field, I’d like to encourage you to keep reaching out and sharing what’s on your mind. Your input helps us understand where resources are needed most, and it ensures that every AFE research dollar is directed toward solving the real-world issues you’re facing. We invite you to take a few minutes and let us know what we can fund to help your business succeed. Whether it’s pest management, sustainability practices, or something entirely different, we want to hear from you.
I recently returned from an inspiring AFE Board Meeting, where our Research Committee brainstormed ways to expand our outreach in both English and Spanish, and make it easier than ever to access all of our grower resources. I look forward to sharing the results of that discussion with you over the coming newsletters. Also, we’re getting ready to celebrate another anniversary as we start planning our 5th year of Grow Pro Webinars for 2026! Are there any topics or researchers you would like us to include in our lineup? Let me know at lbarth@afeendowment.org.
Now, it’s time for this month’s Resource Roundup:
- Sustainabloom: A Practical Guide to the H-2A Visa Program
- Informational pamphlet on UV-C light for thrips management from Margaret Skinner at the University of Vermont
- Moderate Increases in Substrate Packing Density Can Improve Petunia Root Development from Dr. Jeb Fields at the University of Florida
Lastly, we will be at Proflora in Bogotá, Colombia at the end of the month, with two special research presentations – Dr. Rose Buitenhuis will be presenting on “Integrated Pest Management for Diverse Thrips Species in Greenhouse Ornamentals,” and Dr. John Dole will give a talk on “Integrating AI and Technology into Cut Flower Production.” These sessions will be from 10:00am – 12:00 pm on Thursday, October 2nd. We love the opportunity to go to Colombia and meet with growers, so if you’ll be there, be sure to let us know – we’d love to chat with you!
Thank you for all you do to make our world a brighter, more beautiful place and bring the joy of flowers to people’s lives. Your passion and dedication inspire everything we do at AFE, and I look forward to continuing to learn, collaborate, and grow together over the next year of this column.
Keep growing,
