Sustainabloom celebrates industry award, expands sustainability resources for flower growers

Four years after its launch, Sustainabloom by the American Floral Endowment (AFE) has been recognized with the 2026 Greenhouse Grower Spotlight Award while expanding its sustainability resources with a new planning template for flower growers.

The award was presented during Greenhouse Grower’s Evening of Excellence at Cultivate’26 and recognizes organizations making a meaningful impact on the floriculture industry through innovation, leadership and service.

Since launching in 2022, Sustainabloom has grown from an educational initiative into an industry-wide resource offering free access to sustainability planning tools, research, webinars, educational guides and industry news. The program was developed through a partnership between AFE and North Carolina State University, where researchers evaluated existing sustainability research, identified resource gaps and developed practical educational resources for the floral industry.

“This recognition belongs to everyone who has contributed to Sustainabloom,” said Debi Chedester, CAE, executive director of the American Floral Endowment. “From the beginning, our goal has been to provide practical sustainability resources and education that businesses can put to use.”

Coinciding with the recognition, Sustainabloom released its Sustainability Planning Template for Flower Growers, the third planning template in the program’s library following resources for retail florists and wholesalers.

Developed with input from flower growers, researchers and industry partners, the template helps growers evaluate current practices, establish sustainability goals, assign responsibilities and track progress. It covers flower production, operations, location, waste and supply chain practices through a structured planning framework.

“We know growers are busy, and sustainability can feel like one more thing to think about,” said Amanda Solliday, senior manager of Sustainabloom. “Our goal was to create a tool that growers can sit down with, identify a few priorities and build on the work they’re already doing.”

AFE said Sustainabloom will continue expanding its educational resources through collaboration with researchers, educators, industry organizations and businesses. The Sustainability Planning Template for Flower Growers is available as a free download.

Photo courtesy of Sustainabloom.