SAF’s American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) recognizes members who have committed their time and energy to both the floral industry and their local communities.

Why Apply? The AAF designation distinguishes you as a life-long industry leader for your commitment to the floral industry and community involvement. You’ll be recognized and celebrated by your peers at the AAF induction during the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner at SAF’s annual convention.

Applications stay active for a period of two years. Updates can be made and will be requested during that active status.

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AAF ADMISSION APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

BEFORE YOU APPLY, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY!  

Please make sure you fill out the application completely and accurately. All information will be kept confidential.

As an AAF applicant, your company must maintain an active SAF membership.

Read the eligibility criteria below and the application for admission to the Academy in its entirety before starting the application.

1. Download and complete the application. Be sure to type or print all information carefully.
2. There is a non-refundable application fee of $150 which must accompany the application.
3. All applications and fees are due May 1, 2023. 
4. Please return the completed application with your payment to: Stephanie Brady, American Academy of Floriculture, Society of American Florists, 1001 N Fairfax Street, Suite 201, Alexandria, VA 22314. Phone: 703-838-5230, E-mail: sbrady@safnow.org

Download Applications

AAF Application – Microsoft Word

AAF Application – PDF

AAF Application – Fillable PDF

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AAF Past Recipients

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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO THE SAF AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FLORICULTURE

This criteria is the minimum criteria for applicants for admission to the American Academy of Floriculture. Meeting the minimum criteria does not automatically confer membership in AAF nor guarantees admission to AAF.

I. GENERAL CRITERIA

1. The candidate for admission must be a member in good standing of the Society of American Florists for three years or more and must maintain that membership to use the AAF designation.
2. If applicants are owners, principals or partners of a business, they must have a favorable credit rating as evidenced by three letters from trade references. If applicants are employees of a member firm, they must provide two letters of personal reference. Personal reference letters should be from employees from your company.
3. The candidate for admission must be endorsed in writing by two current members of the Academy. Endorsement letters should not be from immediate family members or same company employees. See the list of AAF members on the SAF website.
4. The candidate for admission must have served or worked in the floral industry on a full-time basis a minimum of five years.

II. COMMUNITY SERVICE CRITERIA

As evidence of community service, a candidate should meet three of the criteria listed below. The Awards Committee will evaluate each of these criteria on their individual merits. Please include all community involvement on the application.

• Current or formerly active member of a community service organization such as the Kiwanis, Soroptimists, PTA, etc.
• Has been actively involved in a community service project.
• Has been active in charities and/or religious leadership.
• Served as chairman of a local civic service project.
• Actively participated in a neighborhood or community improvement or beautification project.
• Served as an officer of a neighborhood or community organization.
• Served as an officer or director of a community service group or organization.
• Has been actively involved in a local issue or referendum such as a school bond or tax issue.
• Served as an elected local or state official.
• Served on a community board such as a planning board.
• Received an award for community service.
• Other community service.

III. INDUSTRY SUPPORT CRITERIA

An AAF candidate must:

1. Be a member of the local, state or regional allied floral organization serving his or her area, if available.
2. Have served as a member of a committee or on the board of directors of a local, state, or regional allied floral organization, or the Society of American Florists or another major national floral association recognized by the Society of American Florists, such as WF&FSA, AIFD, wire services, etc.
3. And, meet at least three of the following criteria:

• Attended an educational program sponsored by SAF or a floriculture and horticulture organization recognized by SAF designed to improve the candidate’s competence in the floral business.
• Attended a state, regional or national convention of a floricultural organization recognized by the Society of American Florists.
• Conducted at least 60 minutes’ worth of educational programming (a seminar, class, series of classes or how-tos).
• Written an article published in the official publication of SAF or one of its allied organizations.
• Conducted a program of at least 30 minutes’ duration on some aspect of floriculture or horticulture for members of the public, i.e., a program at a service club meeting.
• Conducted a program educating students at the high school or college level about the benefits of a career in floriculture and horticulture.
• Engaged in or supported scientific research designed to improve the quality or selection of floriculture and horticulture varieties.
• Received an award from SAF or another floriculture and horticulture organization recognized by SAF recognizing the candidate’s contribution.
• Served as a designer or commentator at an industry gathering such as a convention or educational program.
• Created extensive content showing expertise on flowers and plants on a social media outlet, YouTube channel or on TV creating a voice, new perspective, or new audience for floral products.
• Acted as a spokesperson for promoting flowers, plants and/or design on a social media platform with at least 1,000 subscribers.

Candidates who meet the minimum criteria and who file an application by the May 1, 2023, deadline will be considered for admittance by the Awards Committee. All required documentation for the candidate needs to be completed and received by the deadline. Materials received after the deadline will be held for consideration the following year.