Despite significant funding cuts across many federal agencies, the prospect of the floral industry maintaining its research funding is looking positive.

On Monday, the House Appropriations Committee approved a bill that maintains funding levels for the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI), which supports research in pest and disease management, climate resilience, and sustainable growing.

Thanks to advocacy efforts by the Society of American Florists, funding for FNRI has grown from $500,000 in the first year to $6.4 million.

Watch this short update with SAF Senior Lobbyist Joe Bischoff, Ph.D., for insights on what’s ahead for FNRI.

Amanda Jedlinsky is the senior director of content of communications for the Society of American Florists.