The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has achieved a momentous milestone, announcing a cumulative funding surpassing $20 million dedicated to industry research and education. With an unwavering commitment to floriculture spanning over 63 years, AFE has played a pivotal role in advancing and nurturing the future of the floral sector.
Established in 1961, AFE has consistently been a frontrunner in providing innovative research funding, educational grants for industry events and programs, as well as internships and scholarships aimed at cultivating the next generation of floral professionals. These efforts have not only enriched the industry but have also been instrumental in propelling its growth and advancement.
Expressing gratitude for this significant achievement, Debi Chedester, Executive Director of AFE, remarked, “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the continuous support and generosity of our dedicated donors over the last six decades. Their contributions have empowered us to reinvest in the floral community through impactful programs, invaluable resources, and crucial funding.”
In a recent initiative, AFE unveiled a comprehensive Thrips and Botrytis research library, providing essential guides and resources to assist growers in combating persistent flower pests and diseases. The Endowment is also gearing up to launch Sustainabloom, a new project dedicated to fortifying sustainable practices within floriculture, addressing the industry’s evolving needs and challenges.
Looking towards the future, AFE is set to debut a fully redesigned website in the coming months, catering to the evolving demands of the industry. This revamped online platform will offer an array of resources and opportunities tailored to every segment of floriculture, ensuring enhanced accessibility and user experience.
Contributions to AFE play a pivotal role in addressing emerging challenges and sustaining vital programs. By supporting AFE, donor contributions collaboratively fuel industry advancements, fostering resilience, empowerment, and sustainability.
Chairman of AFE, Ken Young, expressed gratitude to donors in a recent video, stating, “We thank you for your commitment to the Endowment. Your support enables us to fund research and initiatives that drive industry advancement and nurture our future leaders.”
This milestone serves as a reaffirmation of AFE’s steadfast commitment to floriculture. As the Endowment embarks on another promising year of funding groundbreaking research, offering internships and scholarships, and facilitating educational opportunities, AFE remains dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry.