Alexandria, VA – The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is calling for "Pre-Proposals" from researchers interested in 2012-2013 funding for either production and post-production scientific research projects, or public benefits research projects. The deadline for receiving pre-proposals is June 1, 2011.
AFE Public Benefits Research Chairman Paul Bachman of Bachman’s, Inc., in Minneapolis, acknowledges that many in the industry may not realize that AFE funds not only scientific research but also those projects that connect directly with the public. “AFE’s public benefits research enables the industry to conduct research on the impact of floral products and services on people and the environment,” Bachman said. “We’re interested in projects that shed light on how the floral industry can enhance the public’s experience with its products and services and, ultimately, better meet the needs of the market.”
Examples of public benefits research include:
•Influence of floral products on an individual’s physical or emotional health
•Influence of floral products on social interaction
•Determinants of satisfaction with floral/plant purchases
•Motives and barriers for buying floral products
The Endowment’s scientific research focuses on a wide range of projects. Last year AFE funded projects totaling $197,000. Examples of scientific funded projects include:
•Management protocols for floriculture crops
•Management systems for diseases of floriculture crops
•Management systems for insects affecting floricultural crops
•Post-harvest management systems for floriculture and plant breeding
•Genetic engineering of floricultural crops
Research projects can last from one to three years, and any reasonable, but justifiable, budget can be submitted. "Any well-conceived and prepared Pre-Proposal that addresses current or future national need for the floricultural industry will be considered," said AFE Research Coordinator Gus De Hertogh, Ph.D.
Pre-Proposal applications for scientific and public benefits research projects are available through the AFE web site and are due at AFE no later than June 1.
Source: The American Floral Endowment