The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation recently hired Carisa Keller to serve as the organization’s scientific coordinator. The Highlands County resident previously worked as director of sustainability for Alico.
“As CRAFT continues to grow, it’s imperative that we continue to build a team that is ready and able to support the demands of the program,” said CRAFT Executive Director/Program Manager Tamara Wood. “As scientific coordinator, Carisa will work closely with both grower participants and the Technical Working Group (TWG) to ensure projects meet the needs of the grower while also providing the valuable data that is the cornerstone of CRAFT.”
Keller will be working with Wood and Assistant Program Manager Tina Buice on all aspects of the program. She will focus primarily on the design development and oversight of CRAFT projects and serve as a liaison between the TWG and growers.
“My biggest passion is being able to help others, and I am looking forward to helping make a difference for the citrus industry,” said Keller.
Since 2019, CRAFT has worked with growers to develop approximately 420 projects accounting for more than 10,000 acres of newly planted solid and reset citrus groves across all major citrus-growing regions in Florida.
Additionally, nearly 200 projects were approved in the first round of the Existing Tree Therapies program, covering nearly 9,000 acres of mature citrus trees. Applications for an additional 945 Existing Tree Therapies projects were submitted in round two, which closed in late September.
CRAFT recently announced that the application for Cycle 5 of the CRAFT new tree planting program is now available online. Interested commercial growers in Florida have until 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 to apply. Learn more here.
CRAFT provides participating growers with financial incentives to utilize various HLB therapies in their groves and to share their results.
Source: Florida Citrus Mutual
Share this Post
Sponsored Content