Time is running out for commercial citrus growers in Florida to apply to participate in Cycle Two of the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) program. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 4. The application process is open to growers with a minimum of 20 acres of planned solid-set or reset plantings. Cycle Two of CRAFT covers up to 3,000 acres of citrus plantings (20 to 100 acres per project) for the coming year.
CRAFT offers growers financial incentives to plant new trees that will be raised using specific HLB mitigation strategies. The research projects in the CRAFT groves fall into one or more of five categories: resets, rootstock/scion, plant and soil nutrition, pest management and biostimulants. Participating growers will be compensated for conducting field trials. Learn more about Cycle Two here.
Growers interested in applying should visit the CRAFT website for access to the online application. A printable application guide, which can be used to help gather the information needed for the application, is also available on the website.
Slides presented in July at an online CRAFT Workshop can be viewed here. The slides provide an overview of the CRAFT program and the goals and criteria for Cycle Two.
For questions, contact Tamara Wood, CRAFT assistant program manager, at 863-698-9276.
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