ALEXANDRIA, USA, January 26, 2010: The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is calling for "Pre-Proposals" from researchers interested in 2011-2012 funding for production and post-production scientific research projects. "If you don't submit a pre-proposal, you can't be considered," said Dr. Gus DeHertogh, AFE's research coordinator. "I urge all researchers to consider submitting a project."

The Endowment funds scientific research on a wide range of industry needs. Examples of 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  

"Any well-conceived and prepared Pre-Proposal that addresses current or future national need for the floricultural industry will be considered," said DeHertogh. The duration of a research project can be one to three years and any reasonable, but justifiable, budget can be submitted. The Pre-Proposals application is available through the AFE web site. Applications and supporting materials are due to AFE no later than June 1, 2010. The American Floral Endowment is a not-for-profit corporation that raises and prudently invests funds to support production research, scholarships and educational grants to benefit the floriculture industry.  Over almost 50 years, generous contributions from every segment of the industry have enabled the Endowment to invest over $14 million to help find solutions to industry needs.  For additional information regarding the programs of the Endowment, visit the website: www.endowment.org