The ASCFG: Providing Education Support and Research for Commercial Cut Flower Growers

 The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1988 to unite and educate cut flower growers, primarily in North America.  Providing information on the production and handling of more than 20 major cut flower species, and the literally hundreds of minor annuals, perennials, and woody stem species is difficult, especially for the many growing environments.  By participating in the ASCFG’s online communication services, established   members share their experience with newer growers. Information exchanges are archived so that topics are available for future reference. For more detailed assistance, new growers can pair with established growers in a mentor program.  A quarterly magazine, The Cut Flower Quarterly, highlights information on current industry trends and practices, and publicizes the results of annual nationwide trials conducted by growers and other members, of new cultivars of annual and perennial cut flower species.  A book providing extensive information on postharvest handling will be published this fall in response to the many issues and questions regarding the topic.  Regional and national conferences bring together cut flower growers and floriculture industry representatives to share new techniques and products.  The ASCFG sponsors cut flower research at two levels: (1). Trials proposed and conducted by growers on their farms, addressing specific production, marketing  or handling problems; (2). Formal replicated research at universities and experiment stations by scientists and their assistants.  Proposals for the latter are vetted by a 5-member ASCFG Research Foundation Board, and have typically covered topics such as postharvest handling, insect pest and disease control, as well as cultural practice management techniques. With the large number of flower species and topics, there is no lack of relevant research topics.  Increasing public interest in locally-sourced products and reducing the carbon footprint of purchases has spurred a strong increase in domestically-produced cut flowers and in cut flower growers.  As a result, ASCFG membership has risen from 530 to 950 in the last 5 years.  The organization is thus an effective private delivery agency of information to a local horticultural industry.