One of the missions of the American Floral Endowment (AFE) is to help secure funding for floriculture research projects. AFE is currently calling for research pre-proposal applications for 2017-2018 funding. The applications are due no later than June 1.
AFE’s primary research funding priorities are relevant to all segments of the floral industry and include:
• Botrytis control
• Thrips control and management
• Postharvest care and handling
• Production management
Read AFE’s full list of scientific research priorities and the general application timeline for more details.
For the current 2016-2017 cycle, the Endowment is funding more than $300,000 in research. Research projects can last from one to three years and any reasonable but justifiable budget will be considered.
Scientific research project examples include:
• “New Approaches for the Control of Botrytis During Production, Shipping, and/or Retail Display”
• “Innovative Biological and Chemical Control Practices Leading to Successful Control of Western Flower Thrips in Flower Production”
• “Production and Handling Practices Providing High-Quality and Long-Lasting Cut Flowers, Potted Plants, and Bedding Plants”
• Evaluation and Development of Technology Leading to Greater Crop Efficiency and Improved Flower Quality”
Final research reports from previously funded AFE projects are available online, and a list of currently funded research is also available.
Apply at endowment.org and submit all supporting documents by the June 1 deadline.