SAF's Dave Bowman (left) receives a plaque in recognition of SAF's 40 years of exhibiting at the FFA annual convention from FFA board member Steven Gass.

Both SAF and the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) recently did their part to promote floriculture careers to younger generations.

For the 40th consecutive year, SAF exhibited at the FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) 80th National Convention, Oct. 24 to 27 in Indianapolis.

During the National Agriculture Career Show part of the event, SAF Director of Member Services Dave Bowman gave out hundreds of brochures and packets to students and teachers alike. "We're the only booth at the show representing careers in floriculture," Bowman says. "We get a lot of attention [and] we reach a lot of people." Bowman also taught students how to make corsages and boutonnieres using flowers donated by Vans Floral Products-Indianapolis.

But the attention wasn't coming just from the attendees — on the second day of the conference, SAF received a plaque in recognition of its 40 years of exhibiting. "We were one of two organizations that were recognized this year," Bowman says.

SAF's presence at the show is partially funded by the American Floral Endowment, which has internships and scholarships for students studying floriculture.

The Association of Specialty Cut Flowers Growers is also encouraging students to join the floriculture industry by offering a $1,000 scholarship for any student working toward a two- or four-year degree in horticulture or a related major. Applicants must have at least one full year of studies remaining as well as work experience — or intentions of working — in a cut flower production operation.

Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 31, 2008. In addition to the cash award, the chosen applicant will receive a one-year membership in the ASCFG and free registration to its National Conference.

For more information, read the press release.

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

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