AFE Accepting Applications For Grants, Research Projects

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is now accepting applications for educational grants for the 2010-11 year. Applications can be downloaded from the AFE website and must be submitted by June 1, 2010.

Since 1961, AFE has been funding educational programs that promote the floriculture industry. The majority of the programs are wide-reaching, educational endeavors to identify and solve industry needs and challenges and focus on attracting young people to the industry.

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An example of an AFE-funded education programs include the National FFA Floriculture Proficiency Award, which is designed to encourage agriculture students to become involved with the floral industry through the practical experience of establishing their own floral business. The program recognizes student accomplishments at the local, regional, state, and national level.

Another example of AFE’s support of the industry is the Society of American Florists (SAF) and Greenhouse Grower’s Pest & Production Management Conference. The yearly event is designed to educate growers, educators, Extension specialists and suppliers about the latest in integrated pest and production management techniques. Many presenters at this conference have or are receiving AFE funding for their continued research.

AFE is dedicated to advancing the industry through funding floriculture research, educational grants and scholarships. More than $14 million has been funded toward research projects benefiting the entire industry, and more than $300,000 in scholarships designed to attract and retain the future leaders of the industry.

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For more information on AFE’s scientific research program, the educational programs or scholarships, visit Endowment.org.

Scientific Research Funding

AFE is also calling for “pre-proposals” from researchers interested in 2011-2012 funding for production and post-production scientific research projects.

“If you don’t submit a pre-proposal, you can’t be considered,” says Dr. Gus DeHertogh, AFE’s research coordinator. “I urge all researchers to consider submitting a project.”

AFE funds scientific research on a wide range of industry needs. Examples of funded projects include:

–    Management protocols for floriculture crops
–    Management systems for diseases of floriculture crops
–    Management systems for insects affecting floriculture crops
–    Post-harvest management systems for floriculture and plant breeding
–    Genetic engineering of floriculture crops  

“Any well-conceived and prepared pre-proposal that addresses current or future national need for the floricultural industry will be considered,” DeHertogh says.

The duration of a research project can be one to three years, and any reasonable but justifiable, budget can be submitted.

The pre-proposals application is available through the AFE website. Applications and supporting materials are due to AFE no later than June 1, 2010.

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