Production and post-harvest scientific research projects funded by the Endowment provide essential knowledge for a growing and dynamic floricultural industry. The complex and diverse structure of the industry makes it difficult for single entities or individuals to support highly comprehensive research programs.
The Endowment, however, allows all industry representatives, regardless of size, to contribute and assures continuous floriculture and horticulture research. Thus, AFE maintains strong, vibrant floriculture and environmental horticulture industries.
Floriculture is the production of flowering and foliage plants for commercial use, including fresh cut flowers, flowering potted plants, potted foliage plants, bedding plants (including perennials) and cut foliage.
Research on these plants and flowers may encompass production, shipping, handling and postharvest practices. We help floral and nursery growers tackle tough industry challenges from pest and diseases, technologies, care and handling and more, through funding research and other programs.
A Nutritional Monitoring of Floriculture Crops website, fertdirtandsquirt.com, is also available to assist growers of greenhouse, floriculture and vegetable crops with nutritional monitoring. The AFE-sponsored website was designed to help growers establish an in-house monitoring program and serves as an information and education center.
Find Out How AFE Can Help Boost Your Profits for Success
Who Benefits from a strong floral industry?
The answer is simple – everyone!
Currently, the size of the industry is estimated at $19 billion annually and growing. It is third in wholesale agricultural value, second only to corn and soybeans. It provides jobs throughout the economy. In addition, floriculture offers aesthetic products that meet consumer demands and needs. It has been proven that the diversity of floral products provides added value and a better quality of life to consumers.
What research is required to ensure that the floral industry thrives and meets the expectations of all its segments and the consumers?
This answer is not simple, and needs change over time. The AFE Board of Trustees fully understands this challenge. Prior to making yearly funding decisions, they receive input from many industry and scientific sources. Thus, industry needs and creative research projects drive the funding process.
The primary research priorities are listed below. They are focused on all floricultural crops – fresh cut flowers, fresh cut greens, flowering potted plants, foliage plants and bedding plants.
Sustainable Production and Handling Practices Including Water Use Efficiency, Growing Media, and Plastic Alternatives
Automation, Technology, and AI Leading to Labor Savings
Biocontrol of Pests
Advanced Breeding Technology, including CRISPR
Long-Term Storage and Shipping Conditions for Cut Flowers, Bedding, and Potted Plants
Production Technology
Postharvest Technology
Botrytis Control and Management
Thrips Control and Management
Some of the many AFE research projects that have directly benefited you and your business:
Biocontrol
Improving Cut Flower Longevity
Breeding – Includes breeding to enhance post harvest quality, plant and flower quality or to reduce insect and diseases
New Technology – To increase floriculture quality
Pest and Disease Management – Focus areas: Aphids, Botrytis, Downy/Powdery Mildews, Leaf Miners, Thrips, Whiteflies and others
Postharvest – Includes shelf life, transportation, home or garden performance
Deadline August 1 Annually
Floriculture Research Funding Application
If you have any questions about the application, research proposal process, AFE’s priority areas, or a project idea, please contact us at afe@endowment.org.
This is the result of a five-year dedicated research initiative to address the control and management of Thrips and Botrytis. This library is a one-stop-shop complete with informative webinars, insightful fact sheets, and engaging articles in both English and Spanish.
If you have any questions about the application, research proposal process, AFE’s priority areas, or a project idea, please get in touch with AFE at afe@endowment.org.
Looking For Funding?
AFE is committed to supporting research that advances the industry and combats current challenges. This research benefits every segment of the industry. We welcome new research proposal applications by August 1st of each year.
Awarding scholarships for floriculture and horticulture students is a primary function of AFE. We understand the financial burden students face and are doing our part to help! Applications for our over 30 scholarships are due on May 1st of each year.
AFE strongly believes in funding educational programs to promote and strengthen the floriculture industry. The majority of the programs funded are wide-reaching and focus on attracting young people to the industry or are educational endeavors to identify and solve industry needs and/or challenges.
