By J. Scott Angle, jangle@ufl.edu, @IFAS_VP
Steven Hall is the right guy to run a single state-supported citrus research organization. He is an agriculturalist as well as an administrator and attorney. He is a sixth-generation Florida farmer who leads his family farming operation in Jackson County.
Since Hall was appointed executive director of the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation two years ago, he has overseen efforts to put millions of trees onto tens of thousands of acres. Legislation that folds the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) into CRAFT will give Hall an even greater opportunity to lead the industry toward a brighter future via the new, larger CRAFT.
We need as much efficiency as possible in citrus research. That’s why, when I learned of the legislation, I did not object to folding the University of Florida-controlled CRDF into CRAFT and control by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. When I learned that Hall would remain in charge of the merged organization, I became a full-blown supporter of the change.
SCIENCE
I am confident Hall will succeed in an expanded role because he supports science, both applied and basic, and has shown this through his ongoing commitment to research funding.
His focus at CRAFT has been applied science, meaning implementation. A CRAFT focus is scientifically evaluating which new tree varieties work best in commercial groves.
He also appreciates the need for basic science, which involves discovery. It’s the kind of science that helps us understand underlying mechanisms like psyllid biology, tree genetics and how gibberellic acid works on citrus. We’re grateful to Rick Dantzler for leading CRDF’s support for such projects for the past eight years and wish him a happy retirement.
As one of the world’s top citrus research organizations, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will continue its strong commitment to the Florida citrus industry. Hall’s continuing support will fuel discoveries we can get to the grove.
OPTIMISM
There is another reason he is a great partner for both industry and scientists — optimism. He’s enthusiastic about the results of field trials. He believes the state’s investment in citrus research is poised to pay off in a major way in some of the many exciting new citrus varieties developed with CRISPR technology and traditional breeding.
Hall finds optimism not just in the trees but in the tools. He’s encouraged by the numerous research projects that develop new treatments and technologies for committed citrus growers.
SMARTS
And he’s savvy. First off, he’s smart enough to have majored in Food and Resource Economics at the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, with a minor in agricultural law. His law school training also likely contributed to an inquisitive mind that sees around corners to address threats before they become problems.
Hall knows how to move trees — and money — into the field. Because he has done such a great job with $100 million in state support for citrus research in fiscal year 2026, there was proposed legislation to double that in the coming fiscal year. As of this writing, it’s hard to say what fiscal year 2027 funding will look like. But I see it as a vote of confidence in a competent and ethical administrator that there’s even a conversation going on about that level of continuing state investment.
LEADERSHIP
I particularly appreciate his service as president of the Education Foundation for the UF chapter of the Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity. This group’s work helps finance the education of the future Florida agriculture workforce. He’s a regular visitor to his alma mater, whether he’s handing out scholarship checks, participating in AGR alumni activities or supporting the Department of Food and Resource Economics.
More importantly, you’ll appreciate his service to you. He is so excited about his role because of the opportunity to continue efforts to develop and deploy research and tools for growers.
Hall is the leader we need to support the scientists who will be providing you with the trees, tools and technologies citrus growers need to keep Florida a citrus state.
J. Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of UF/IFAS.
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