Three Organizations That Need Your Support
February 13, 2026 It’s easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day responsibilities of running a greenhouse business, especially as the busy spring season approaches. But it’s also important to occasionally step back and recognize the organizations that put in tireless work, often behind the scenes, to advance and support the future of the industry.
This month, I want to use this space to highlight three of those organizations and share how you can support them.
Seed Your Future
What they do: Seed Your Future (SYF) is a movement that promotes horticulture education and inspires young people to pursue careers working with plants.
How they support the future of the industry: Led by Executive Director Jazmin Albarran, SYF works directly with students, educators, and employers to highlight the wide range of careers available in horticulture and encourage prospective students to explore them. Earlier this year, SYF brought students and educators to the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) and the Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE), offering immersive, on-the-show-floor experiences that connected participants with real-world opportunities across the green industry.
How you can support them: Visit SeedYourFuture.org/donate.
Horticultural Research Institute
What they do: The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), AmericanHort’s education foundation, funds and supports strategic horticultural research guided by direct input from industry professionals. HRI-funded projects have helped advance pest and disease management practices, automation and mechanization, and production and management strategies.
How they support the future of the industry: In addition to funding research, HRI also launched the HRI Leadership Academy. Now approaching its fifth class, the program offers a focused curriculum designed to help industry professionals build the skills needed to strengthen businesses, accelerate growth, and prepare for the future.
How you can support them: Visit HRIresearch.org.
American Floral Endowment
What they do: American Floral Endowment (AFE) supports the advancement of floriculture by funding innovative research, scholarships, internships, and educational grants that reflect the evolving needs of the industry.
How they support the future of the industry: AFE has funded much of the research that continues to benefit the industry over the long term, including studies focused on pest and disease control, as well as marketing and media insights. Since May 2021, AFE has also hosted monthly Grow Pro webinars covering production topics and challenges facing growers today, with speakers sharing practical, research-based guidance.
How you can support them: Visit Endowment.org/donate/ways-to-give.
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