- 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.

Learn More

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

By Jennifer Gray July 23, 2025
COLUMBUS, OH – July 22, 2025 – The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) and AmericanHort are proud to announce the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2026, a cohort of accomplished professionals from across the green industry who are poised to take their leadership to the next level. These individuals, representing various industry segments and career paths, were selected for their commitment to horticulture and their desire to help shape the industry's future. The HRI Leadership Academy is a one-year advanced leadership program designed for experienced horticulture professionals looking to elevate their influence and expand their strategic thinking and business skills. Built around in-person classes, peer collaboration, and mentorship, this program prepares leaders to confidently navigate business challenges, drive innovation, and spark positive change in their businesses, the industry, and their communities. 
By Jennifer Gray March 14, 2025
It is neither economically sustainable nor environmentally acceptable to make multiple fungicide applications to protect boxwood, a key nursery crop and iconic landscape plant, from boxwood blight.
A close up of a green background with a blurred effect
By Jennifer Gray March 10, 2025
Columbus, OH - The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the research affiliate of AmericanHort, is excited to announce that it is now accepting research grant proposals for fiscal year 2026. HRI’s competitive grants program supports projects that directly impact and advance the green industry, providing funding for research on significant topics such as plant health, pest management, understanding consumer behavior, production efficiencies, and quantifying plant benefits.
Show More

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