AFE to Host Production Webinar Series
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is hosting new monthly webinars on production topics that directly impact growers.
AFE-funded research has been providing the industry with solutions to tough challenges for 60 years. To further communicate new results from university studies and other advancements on a broader scale, these monthly webinars are being offered free of charge, thanks to industry sponsorships.
These nationally recognized researchers, hosts and speakers will offer how-to advice based on AFE-funded and other research projects to help the industry navigate through these ever-changing growing challenges. The webinar topics are current and offer long-term opportunities for growers to focus on increased profit, greater sustainability, and improved labor efficiency.
Each session will also feature a live Q&A discussion where you can “Ask a Researcher.” This will allow the audience to get personalized advice and input from our academic experts.
All webinars take place on a Tuesday and are open to anyone. The webinar topics include:
- June 22 and 29
Optimizing LED Lighting for Flower Crops — Jim Faust, Clemson University and Erik Runkle, Michigan State University - July 27
Making Sense of Artificial Intelligence in Floriculture — Dean Kopsell, University of Florida - Sept. 14
Managing Impatiens Downy Mildew with Variety Selection and Production Practices —Margery Daughtrey, Cornell University
For a complete schedule of webinars, registration information or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.endowment.org/GrowPro.
Ellison Elected Chairman of the Board at Lowe’s
On June 1, Lowe’s announced its board of directors had elected Marvin R. Ellison, president, chief executive officer and current director of Lowe’s, to the additional role of chairman of the board, effective immediately. Ellison succeeds Richard W. Dreiling, who has shifted from the role of chairman to lead independent director. “Marvin has demonstrated exceptional leadership at Lowe’s since his appointment three years ago and has built an extremely talented team,” Dreiling said. “He has been the driving force behind the company’s successful transformation into a world-class, omnichannel retailer. … He also deftly guided Lowe’s through the pandemic and continued to deliver for associates and our communities.”
To help Americans who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, Walmart and AT&T have teamed up to offer eligible customers home internet and wireless plans via AT&T Prepaid and Cricket Wireless for little or even no cost. These offers are available through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, and customers can find eligible plans on Walmart.com and in more than 2,300 Walmart stores. “The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the digital divide in America as many underserved households were unable to afford broadband connectivity to work from home or enable their children to participate in remote learning,” said Mehrdad Akbar, vice president of wireless and photo services, at Walmart U.S.
Whole Foods Releases Plant-Based Food Trend Predictions
Whole Foods Market recently released its first-ever plant-based trend predictions, with nut-based cheese alternatives, banana blossoms and creamy cashew dips topping the list. The choice to highlight plant-based predictions comes at a time when shoppers are focusing on eating more plants. According to a recent study by The Hartman Group, nearly half (48%) of consumers look for products labeled as plant-based. “Plant-based is the grocery category to watch right now as brands continue to innovate by using new ingredients and processes that make plant-based products exciting for shoppers,” said Parker Brody, Senior Global Category Merchant for Plant-Based at Whole Foods Market.
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