How AFE Helps Growers Stay Ahead Through Research
January 22, 2026 
Research funded by the American Floral Endowment supports practical, science-based solutions growers can apply across production systems. | American Floral Endowment
Floriculture is an industry rooted in growth, innovation, and adaptability. Growers face shifting challenges, including new pest and disease pressures, labor shortages, and rising input costs. While operations continue to respond with creativity and resilience, the need for reliable, research-backed solutions has never been greater. Science provides the foundation growers rely on to make informed decisions, streamline production, and remain competitive amid uncertainty.
That foundation depends on sustained investment in practical, relevant research. For 65 years, the American Floral Endowment (AFE) has supported that work on behalf of the industry. By funding studies and translating results into everyday practice, AFE helps ensure that growers of all sizes have access to solutions that can be widely adopted and maintained over time.
In a rapidly changing environment, that continuity matters. AFE’s research investments create a steady pipeline of knowledge grounded in science, shaped by industry input, and designed to move the industry forward.
A Clear, Industry-Informed Research Direction
AFE’s approach to research funding begins with listening. Ongoing conversations with growers, breeders, propagators, suppliers, academics, and allied partners keep AFE closely connected to the production challenges the industry is facing. This input helps ensure research investments stay grounded in real-world needs rather than theoretical interests.
By identifying issues early and pinpointing where new knowledge is most urgently needed, we direct funding to expert researchers at leading universities to develop practical solutions the industry can use for years to come. Supporting universities also helps sustain the pipeline of researchers and educators who are training the next generation of industry professionals.
Research That Is Thoroughly Reviewed and Scientifically Sound
Proposals considered for AFE funding undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure the research delivers both scientific value and practical relevance. Each project is reviewed by industry members who understand day-to-day production realities, AFE’s Research Committee (composed of experienced leaders across the floral sector), and academic peer reviewers who assess scientific merit and methodology.
This review system ensures funded projects address meaningful challenges, use sound scientific methods, and have clear potential for industry-wide application. By maintaining this vetting process, AFE safeguards the quality and reliability of the research it supports.
Growers benefit directly from this structure. They can trust that the tools, recommendations, and findings emerging from AFE-funded work are well-tested, unbiased, and ready to implement.
Collaboration That Strengthens the Research Pipeline
AFE collaborates closely with the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) to help guide annual funding for the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI), a key USDA-ARS program that supports advancements in plant health, sustainability, automation, production systems, and other related areas.
By coordinating efforts, we help ensure that federal funds are directed toward projects with the greatest benefit across the floral and nursery sectors.
A Long-Term Commitment to Industry-Wide Progress
For more than six decades, the Endowment has played a vital role in supporting the scientific discoveries that shape modern floriculture. Many of the production practices growers rely on today exist because previous generations recognized the importance of investing in research.
Today’s growers benefit from that foresight, and tomorrow’s growers will depend on the investments we make now. AFE’s work is sustained not by large federal grants, but by donations from across the industry, including growers, breeders, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, and allied partners committed to building a stronger future.
The strength of AFE’s research begins with the people who use it every day. If AFE-funded findings have helped your operation, we would love to hear your story and learn how that research is making a difference across the industry. If you are facing new challenges or see areas where additional research is needed, please reach out. We welcome conversations that help shape our future priorities. This work continues because individuals and businesses believe in the power of research to support a vibrant, resilient floriculture industry. If you feel inspired to contribute, even small gifts can make a lasting impact. Together, we can continue growing the industry for generations to come.
Sharing Research Widely Through Outreach and Education
Research only has value if it reaches the people who can use it. AFE is committed to making results not only available, but also accessible and actionable.
Findings are regularly shared through:
- AFE’s Website (Endowment.org), the Growing Further newsletter, and Grow Pro Webinars featuring AFE-funded researchers and industry experts
- Industry events, conference presentations, roundtable discussions, and grower tours
- Research articles and technical summaries in both AFE and industry publications
This flow of information helps ensure new practices, technologies, and insights are communicated quickly, creating a shared foundation of knowledge that operations of all sizes can benefit from.
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