Production & Post-Harvest Research Funding Grant

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) provides crucial funding for research that enhances the floral industry. Proposals are rigorously evaluated based on their relevance to industry needs, focusing on sustainable practices, technological advancements, and pest management. AFE encourages researchers to align their projects with specific industry priorities, ensuring that outcomes benefit growers, wholesalers, and retailers. As part of the funding process, researchers may also be asked to disseminate their findings through publications and presentations, fostering industry collaboration.

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is committed to supporting research that advances the floral industry. All proposals are reviewed by the AFE Research Committee for industry relevance, and by the Society of American Florists Growers Council. Proposals that rank the highest from these industry reviews will then be selected for academic and peer review to determine final funding.
Because there are always more funding requests than funding, each proposal will be evaluated for potential benefit to the industry. We encourage each researcher to review the AFE research priorities listed below. Our priorities are focused on all floricultural crops, including fresh-cut flowers and greens, flowering and foliage potted plants, bedding plants, and perennials. Projects benefitting any industry segment from grower to consumer will be considered for funding. In no specific order, the priorities are:
Sustainable Production and Handling Practices, Including Water Use Efficiency, Growing Media, and Plastic AlternativesAutomation, Technology, and AI Leading to Labor SavingsBiocontrol of PestsAdvanced Breeding Technology, including CRISPRLong-Term Storage and Shipping Conditions for Cut Flowers, Bedding, and Potted PlantsProduction TechnologyPostharvest Technology Botrytis Control and ManagementThrips Control and Management

Eligibility

Research funded by the American Floral Endowment must be relevant to current and future industry needs, and results should provide information that has commercial applications directly to the industry – growers, wholesalers, retailers, and transportation.Publication of trade magazine articles, AFE newsletter articles, and scientific publications will be requested as part of funded projects. Researchers may be asked to participate in webinars and to provide presentations for the floral industry.Prior to submitting the proposal, AFE requests that the application contains the name and contact information of two industry representatives who support the proposed research.