American Floral Endowment Reaches Major Milestone
February 29, 2024 The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has reached a significant milestone in its journey to support the future of floriculture: Providing more than $20 million in cumulative funding for industry research and education. For 63+ years, AFE has given unwavering dedication and support to floriculture.
Since its establishment in 1961, AFE has been at the forefront of funding innovative research, providing educational grants for industry events and programs, and offering internships and scholarships to cultivate the next generation of professionals in the floral sector. These endeavors have not only enriched the industry, but have also propelled its growth and advancement.
“We are proud to have reached this significant milestone. It is truly a testament to the continuous support and generosity of our dedicated donors over the last six decades,” says Debi Chedester, Executive Director of AFE. “Their contributions have enabled us to reinvest and uplift the floral community through impactful programs, invaluable resources, and crucial funding.”
Recently, AFE released a new Thrips and Botrytis research library, equipping growers with essential guides and resources to combat persistent flower pests and diseases. Additionally, the Endowment is preparing to launch Sustainabloom, a new project aimed at bolstering sustainable practices within floriculture, addressing the industry’s evolving needs and challenges.
Looking ahead, AFE will debut a fully redesigned website in the coming months, catering to the evolving demands of the industry. This revamped online platform will offer a wealth 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 the Endowment’s vital programs. By supporting AFE, donor contributions join together to support industry advancements, fostering resilience, empowerment, and sustainability.
Ken Young, Chairman of AFE, expressed gratitude to donors in a recent video, affirming, “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 reaffirms AFE’s steadfast commitment to floriculture. As it 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.
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