SAF, AFE Partner to Advance Industry Research
A groundbreaking research fund that has supported scientific innovation in the horticulture industry for nearly three decades is getting a boost in its effort to provide high quality, cutting-edge research today and in the future, thanks to a strategic new agreement between two longtime industry groups.
Effective Aug. 1, the Society of American Florists will continue to support the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI) through key administrative functions, including lobbying for additional funding and communicating with members of Congress so that they are aware of the importance of FNRI research to the floral industry and their constituents.
Meanwhile, the American Floral Endowment will assume the role of floral industry liaison with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for FNRI, identifying research priorities, making recommendations to the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and evaluating the progress of research to ensure it is meeting its objectives.
“AFE and SAF have a long history of working closely together on myriad projects, and over the past two years AFE’s Research Committee has provided expert feedback on FNRI research, making this new partnership a logical next step,” said Terril Nell, AFE’s research coordinator and a past SAF president.
“As a nonprofit organization that funds research and scholarships in floriculture and environmental horticulture that benefit all segments of the floral industry, AFE is perfectly positioned to help identify the industry challenges and priorities best suited for FNRI research.”
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