- PROTECT & ADVANCE -

HORTICULTURE

Support the Horticultural Research Institute

The AmericanHort Foundation

SUPPORT HRI

- PROTECT & ADVANCE -

HORTICULTURE

Support the Horticulture Research Institute The  AmericanHort Foundation

Support HRI
a logo for horticultural research institute and thrive web series

Peter Orum
December 4, 1941 - October 17, 2024 


Farewell to a Legend in our Time

Our hearts are heavy, yet our minds and memories filled with fond recollections of the life, career, and innumerable achievements and contributions of Peter Orum, 82, who passed October 17. 2024, in the company of family and close friends.

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a logo for horticultural research institute and thrive web series

tHRIve Web Series

Horticultural Research Institute helps you tHRIve with a new web-based series featuring key research findings. The tHRIve series covers research that is directly funded by HRI as well as research that is federally funded.

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What We Are About

The Horticultural Research Institute, the AmericanHort Foundation, proudly supports scientific research and students for the advancement of the horticultural industry. HRI was established by industry leaders on the premise that no one could better direct needed research to advance horticulture than the very people who work in it, day in and day out.

We stick to that same vision today: we fund and guide horticultural research efforts with the direct input from industry professionals just like you.

Horticultural Research Institute is the horticulture community's research and development organization. Think of it as the strong foundation upon which to build your business.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HRI
the sanc risk assessment tool logo is on a green background .

SANC - Risk Assessment Tool

The Horticultural Research Institute teamed up with the National Plant Board and USDA to develop a web-based risk assessment (RA) tool. The tool helps growers more easily perform the risk assessment required to participate in SANC. The tool is available, at no cost, to any nursery or greenhouse seeking to improve their processes. Whether or not you choose to pursue SANC certification, the RA process will make you a better grower. 

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What We Are About


The Horticultural Research Institute, the AmericanHort Foundation, proudly supports scientific research and students for the advancement of the horticultural industry. HRI was established by industry leaders on the premise that no one could better direct needed research to advance horticulture than the very people who work in it, day in and day out.

We stick to that same vision today: we fund and guide horticultural research efforts with the direct input from industry professionals just like you.

Horticultural Research Institute is the horticulture community's research and development organization. Think of it as the strong foundation upon which to build your business.

Learn More About HRI
Creates new knowledge, better practices, advances technology,and connects industry with consumers.
Targets critical industries
challenges & opportunities
Funds relevant research
conducted by credible scientists
Leverages millions of dollars for industry research through critical relationships with government agencies and other organizations
Financially supported by thousands of individuals, horticultural businesses, and organizations throughout North America
Provides next gen leaders scholarships to ensure they have access and tools they need

Latest News & Impacts

It is a blurry picture of a green background.
By Jennifer Gray November 19, 2024
COLUMBUS, OH – The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) is proud to announce Dante Filadoro as the 2024 recipient of the Timothy S. and Palmer W. "Bill" Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship. Established in 1988 by the Bigelow family, this scholarship aims to support students from New England pursuing careers in horticulture, honoring the memory of Timothy Bigelow and celebrating the legacy of Palmer W. "Bill" Bigelow.
It is a blurry picture of a green background.
By Jennifer Gray November 12, 2024
COLUMBUS, OH – (November 12, 2024) The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) announces the opening of the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2026 application window. This one-year leadership program is designed to develop the skills green industry leaders need to perform better, grow faster, and prepare for the future. “As we enter the fourth year of the HRI Leadership Academy, this program is driving the development of the next generation of leaders in the green industry. Our commitment is to empower passionate, dedicated individuals ready to lead the future of horticulture, and we can’t wait to welcome those who want to make a lasting impact,” said Leigh Geschwill, HRI Board President.  The HRI Leadership Academy offers horticulture leaders a unique opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, broaden their horticultural knowledge, and connect with professionals across the industry. The academy is designed to give participants a comprehensive approach to leadership development through in-person training sessions and online classes and meetings. Applications will be evaluated on demonstrated leadership qualities, past evidence of or estimated future potential for contribution to the green industry, ability to consider the broader interests of the community, the applicant’s character and ability to grow because of this experience, and personal and employer commitment to the program. Preference will be given to candidates with at least five years of leadership experience and seven years of relevant industry work experience. “The HRI Leadership Academy is a critical investment in shaping our industry’s future. Graduates of the academy develop enhanced leadership skills to grow their companies, drive innovation, and strengthen the entire industry,” said Ken Fisher, AmericanHort President and CEO. “By cultivating leaders who are equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow, we are ensuring the long-term success of individual businesses, our communities, and the industry as a whole.” Application Timeline: Application Window: Open now until February 7, 2025 Interviews: March and April 2025 Class Selection and Notification: May 2025 Class Announcement: Cultivate'25, July 12-15, 2025, in Columbus, OH There is no fee to apply and AmericanHort covers program tuition. Applications should be submitted through the HRI Leadership Academy website during the application window. All applicants will be considered, and successful candidates will be chosen based on their commitment to the industry, leadership potential, and potential to contribute to the horticultural community. For more information about the HRI Leadership Academy and to download a program brochure, please visit HRILeadershipAcademy.org . ### About the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), founded in 1962, has provided more than $9.5 million in funds to research projects covering a broad range of production, environmental, and business issues important to the green industry. Over $19 million is committed to the endowment by individuals, corporations, and associations. For more information about HRI, its grant-funded research, or programming, visit For more information about the HRI Leadership Academy and to download a program brochure, please visit HRILeadershipAcademy.org . About AmericanHort Green industry businesses perform better, grow faster, and prepare for the future as a member of AmericanHort, the green industry’s leading association. With a rich history of serving horticultural professionals, AmericanHort supports 20,000 members and affiliated businesses that include breeders, greenhouse and nursery growers, garden retailers, distributors, interior and exterior landscape professionals, florists, students, educators, researchers, manufacturers, and all of those who are part of the industry market chain. The horticulture industry's production, wholesale, retail, and landscape service components have annual sales of $346 billion, and sustain over 2.3 million full- and part-time jobs. AmericanHort works to impact the growth, performance, and successful future for the industry through advocacy, research, education, and advancing industry standards.
A woman wearing glasses and a sweater is smiling in front of a window.
By Jennifer Gray November 11, 2024
Columbus, Ohio – November 7, 2024 — The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the leading industry foundation dedicated to advancing horticultural education and research, proudly announces Elliott Kenney as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2002 by the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Inc. (MANTS) to honor Carville M. Akehurst’s significant contributions to the horticulture industry and his commitment to education.
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What We

Have Done

$7.5M

Funds directed to research projects important to trade since 1962


$375K

Awarded in grants, projects, and scholarships in 2018

100

Industry-specific research projects directly funded between 2009 and 2018


23 TRUSTEES

Providing vision, leadership, and fiduciary guidance for the endowment and its programs

$8.5M

Additional funds leveraged in grant procurement anticipated in 2018


70 VOLUNTEERS

From industry and the research community reviewing grant and scholarship applications for efficacy, merit, and return on investment

What We Have Done

$7.5M

Funds directed to research projects important to trade since 1962


$375K

Awarded in grants, projects, and scholarships in 2018

100

Industry-specific research projects directly funded between 2009 and 2018


23 TRUSTEES

Providing vision, leadership, and fiduciary guidance for the endowment and its programs

$8.5M

Additional funds leveraged in grant procurement anticipated in 2018


70 VOLUNTEERS

From industry and the research community reviewing grant and scholarship applications for efficacy, merit, and return on investment

What We

Have Done

$7.5M

Funds directed to research projects important to trade since 1962


$375K

Awarded in grants, projects, and scholarships in 2018

100

Industry-specific research projects directly funded between 2009 and 2018


23 TRUSTEES

Providing vision, leadership, and fiduciary guidance for the endowment and its programs

$8.5M

Additional funds leveraged in grant procurement anticipated in 2018


70 VOLUNTEERS

From industry and the research community reviewing grant and scholarship applications for efficacy, merit, and return on investment

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