Applications are being accepted for the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) seventh program year. Applications must be submitted at the CRAFT website by Oct. 3.
Here is a summary of available 2025 CRAFT programs:
TRADITIONAL NEW TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
This program evaluates grower recommended rootstock/scion combinations in real-world commercial conditions.
- The participation payment is $35 per tree.
- The grower applies to plant any commercially available citrus tree varieties by June 30, 2027.
- It requires a six-year commitment to annually submit harvest data and comply with the grower participation agreement.
FAST TRACK NURSERY STOCK PROGRAM
The CRAFT board has identified a surplus of citrus nursery stock available at Florida nurseries that is ready for planting.
- The participation payment is $40 per tree.
- The grower is fully paid upon planting of available nursery stock by Dec. 31, 2025.
- It requires a six-year commitment to annually submit harvest data and comply with the grower participation agreement.
EMERGING VARIETIES PROGRAM
This program evaluates promising new varieties.
- The participation payment is $40 per tree.
- The grower applies to plant selected unreleased or recently released citrus varieties on the CRAFT eligible list by June 30, 2027.
- It requires an eight-year commitment to annually submit harvest data and comply with the grower participation agreement.
EXISTING TREE THERAPIES PROGRAM
This program evaluates novel therapeutic treatments in existing, mature trees.
- The participation payment is $350 per acre of treated citrus trees.
- Growers may use approved treatments, including: oxytetracycline, brassinosteroids, 2,4-D, gibberellic acid or approved Stage Two Grove First therapies.
- It requires a three-year commitment to submit harvest data and comply with the grower participation agreement.
ELIGIBILITY AND BENEFITS
Any commercial citrus grower in Florida may apply. Groves must be enrolled in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Best Management Practices Program. Current CRAFT participants must be in good standing in order to be eligible.
Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Joyner encouraged all growers to apply before the Oct. 3 deadline.
“This seventh program year of CRAFT will utilize the $100 million allocated by the Florida Legislature for the replanting and revitalization of Florida’s iconic citrus industry,” Joyner said. “This unprecedented funding will allow growers to reinvest in their groves in a way that will make a significant impact on the future productivity and sustainability of our industry.”
Additional program benefits include:
- Annual soil and plant tissue sampling
- Annual field and aerial drone surveys
- Growers may receive results of sampling and surveys at no cost.
More information is available from CRAFT Executive Director Steven Hall at Steven@craftfdn.org or 863-333-2931.
Sources: CRAFT Foundation and Florida Citrus Mutual