Steven Hall, executive director of the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation, recently shared important information on the Emerging Varieties Program, freeze-damaged projects and annual audits.
EMERGING VARIETIES PROGRAM
Following the recent Environmental Protection Agency approval of the CarriCea T1 rootstock, CRAFT has established May 15 as the new deadline for the submission of proof of payment of royalties for all Emerging Varieties (EV) projects. No extensions will be available.
EV project designs that include the varieties Hamlin N14-10, Sweet Orange UF OLL-DC-3-36 and Sweet Orange UF OLL-DC-3-40 will be reimbursed up to $1 per approved tree for royalty costs.
By May 15, growers must submit the following via email to Tina@craftfdn.org:
- The completed Claim Form and Participation Invoice (Contract Attachment 3)
- An invoice from a registered Florida citrus nursery demonstrating proof of paid royalties for the project trees
The royalties for these three varieties are paid by the growers through the nursery to New Varieties Development & Management Corp. CRAFT requests that the nursery provide the grower a separate invoice demonstrating proof of payment for the royalties. The invoice must include the CRAFT contract number and be marked as “paid.”
EV project designs that include the CarriCea T1 or BeneCea D1 rootstock varieties will be reimbursed up to $6 per approved tree for royalty costs.
By May 15, the grower must submit via email to Tina@craftfdn.org:
- The completed Claim Form and Participation Invoice (Contract Attachment 3)
- An invoice from Soilcea demonstrating proof of paid royalties for the project trees
Growers will need to return to CRAFT proof of payment for these royalties from Soilcea. The invoice must include the CRAFT contract number and be marked as “paid.”
For example, if the annual royalty payment is $2 per tree, a grower may prepay the first three years of royalty payments and request reimbursement for $6 per tree. Funding will not exceed $6 per tree.
FREEZE-DAMAGED PROJECTS
Many CRAFT projects were likely impacted by the freezes earlier this year. As growers evaluate project groves for how they responded to freezes, they should remember the following:
- Document and take pictures of any lasting damage to project trees.
- Do not remove any planted project trees prior to notifying CRAFT. The removal of any freeze-damaged trees without notice to CRAFT may impact participation funding.
ANNUAL AUDITS
CRAFT is conducting the annual site verifications and aerial surveys of all projects. These verifications and surveys are required for growers’ continued participation in CRAFT programs. The auditors will contact growers to schedule visits. Growers should promptly respond to their requests.
Source: CRAFT
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