- 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

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
A purple banner that says hello i 'm sage i 'm here to help you
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. 

Learn More & Sign Up

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

Horticultural Research Institute tHRive web series logo with green, red, and yellow icon
By Jen Gray August 12, 2026
CABI and USDA APHIS are collaborating on the biological control of the box tree moth using parasitoids from Asia. Several parasitoid species are currently under consideration for introduction into North America and Europe. One of these parasitoids arrived in Europe on its own and has begun controlling the moth on both planted trees and in wild boxwood stands. The webinar will describe the spread and impact of this adventive parasitoid in Europe and present efforts to assess the potential of this species and others as biological control agents in North America.
HRI Leadership Academy logo with multicolored flower icon and text “An AmericanHort & HRI Initiative”
By Jennifer Gray June 30, 2026
Meet the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027. This intensive year-long program equips green industry leaders with strategic insight and business acumen.
Blurred green foliage filling the frame
By Jennifer Gray June 17, 2026
This session will introduce the HortCalculator, an online decision-support tool designed to help ornamental growers translate farm-level data into actionable financial insights. The tool generates clear analyses of profitability, breakeven points, and return on investment, giving growers confidence to evaluate sustainable production practices and new technologies. By linking financial literacy with production decisions, the HortCalculator helps growers balance profitability and sustainability, strengthening resilience in ornamental horticulture systems. The session will highlight practical applications for nursery, greenhouse, and specialty crop operations, while also exploring opportunities for research, education, and industry partnerships to scale the tool across crops and regions.
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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