The Florida Legislature this year mandated the merger of two major Florida citrus research organizations: the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation (CRAFT) and the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF). CRAFT Executive Director Steven Hall recently answered questions about the merger.
Q: What are the steps and timeframe for the merger?
A: The legislation requiring the merger specifies that the CRAFT and CRDF boards adopt a written plan of merger. Both boards will consider the plan at their June meetings. Once approved by the boards, the merger is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 1. Following the completion of the merger, CRAFT will be adding two additional grower representative board members. The new board will then meet to begin planning and implementing the new responsibilities.
Q: How will this change/improve CRAFT?
A: The merger will allow CRAFT to continue the important citrus research that has been undertaken by CRDF for many years. CRAFT will be adding a basic research review committee to review the research proposals submitted to CRAFT for funding by the best citrus researchers in the world. The CRAFT board will have final oversight of both the basic research led by these researchers and our many growers participating in field trials across the state. I believe the nexus of one board reviewing both basic research and commercial-scale field trials will help the industry more efficiently determine the best strategies and winning varieties for Florida’s citrus growers.
Q: What is the outlook for funding?
A: The Florida Legislature’s approval of $164.5 million for citrus research is an amazing investment in the CRAFT program and the future of the Florida citrus industry. This amount includes $160 million for field trials and $4.5 million for basic research. (Editor’s note: The Florida governor still needs to approve these amounts.)
Q: Will CRAFT be expanding its staff?
A: CRAFT is evaluating its staffing needs but is committed to maintaining an efficient and streamlined organization. We are focused on working with our participating growers and researchers to ensure that the funding we are provided is put to work for the citrus industry.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: Later this year, CRAFT will announce the program parameters of CRAFT Cycle 8 to implement this new funding. The best way to get the latest details about our program is to join our email list and continue to watch for updates from our partners, such as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Florida Citrus Mutual. Interested parties may join CRAFT’s email update list by emailing me at Steven@CRAFTFDN.org.
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