The Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation (CRAFT) recently reported it has processed more than 2,000 applications for its Year 7 programs. It has received more than $207 million in eligible applications across all program areas, with approximately $106 million available for funding projects this year.
FAST TRACK
All eligible Fast Track applications have been funded, and 220 contracts have been issued to the eligible participants. Post-planting audits are underway, and the first participation payments were mailed.
The Fast Track program will fund the planting of more than 350,000 trees by the end of the year.
TRADITIONAL NEW PLANTING AND EMERGING VARIETIES
The CRAFT board of directors approved the following in November:
- Proration of Funding: Funding for Cycle 7 Traditional New Planting and Emerging Varieties programs will be prorated by 50%, reducing the number of trees funded per project while maintaining per-tree rates ($40 for Emerging Varieties; $35 for Traditional New Planting). Example: A project proposing 10,000 trees under Cycle 7 will now be funded for 5,000 trees at $35/tree ($175,000 total).
- Project Consolidation Option: Applicants with multiple project applications may consolidate their funded trees and choose where to plant across the parcels (grove blocks) included in their approved applications. Example: An applicant submitted two applications, one to plant 5,000 trees in project A and another to plant 10,000 trees in project B. In total, this applicant will receive funding for 50% of all trees (7,500 trees). The applicant may choose to plant 2,500 trees in project A and 5,000 trees in project B, to plant all 7,500 trees in project B or any other combination of trees between the two project sites.
EXISTING TREE THERAPIES
The CRAFT board has allocated funding for the Existing Tree Therapiesprogram but has reserved final funding decisions for that program until at least December to allow the new planting programs to be implemented first.
NEXT STEPS
- CRAFT has begun emailing each applicant for the Traditional New Planting and Emerging Varieties Programs with their prorated tree allocation.
- Applicants must confirm their project design or submit consolidation requests by Nov. 21 at 5 p.m.
- Participation agreements will follow. Applicants will have 10 days to sign and return the agreements or risk withdrawal.
- Required leases or authorization letters must extend through 2032 and must be submitted with the executed contract.
- After confirming allocations, growers should contact their nurseries immediately to submit or adjust tree orders.
- A paid tree deposit will be due to CRAFT by Dec. 31. Missing this deadline may result in disqualification. The paid tree deposit invoice and claim form (attachment 3 of the CRAFT contract) must be emailed to Tina Buice at Tina@craftfdn.org.
- Initial grower payments for the Traditional New Planting and Emerging Varieties Programs are expected to begin in January following receipt of the proof of tree deposits.
Source: CRAFT
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