The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation recently hired Tina Buice as assistant program manager. The Highlands County resident had previously worked for nearly two decades at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry (FDACS DPI). She was most recently an environmental specialist in the FDACS DPI Avon Park office.
Through her work with FDACS DPI, Buice has been closely involved with the CRAFT program since its inception.
“With nearly 150 projects in the first three cycles of the CRAFT program and another cycle on the way, it became clear that the continued success of the program would require additional hands on deck,” said CRAFT Executive Director/Program Manager Tamara Wood. “Tina’s technical skills and knowledge, along with her familiarity with the CRAFT program, with the groves and most importantly with the growers themselves, make her a perfect fit for the position. She has a passion for the Florida citrus industry which is evident in her work.”
Buice will be working with Wood on all aspects of the program, while focusing primarily on the coordination and integration of all data collection and the development and introduction of public dashboards within the CRAFT Data Portal.
“Working with the CRAFT Foundation will give me an opportunity to work side by side with growers to help find solutions and develop strategies to keep Florida citrus strong,” said Buice. “I’m excited and honored to join the team and look forward to what the future holds.”
Since 2019, CRAFT has worked with growers to develop a total of 148 research projects conducted by 77 grower entities during its first three cycles of projects. Projects account for 6,238 acres of newly planted solid and reset citrus groves across 15 counties in Florida. The application window for Cycle 4 projects is expected to open in early October. Learn more about Cycle 4 opportunities for growers and about existing projects here.
Source: Florida Citrus Mutual
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