CRAFT Now Accepting Applications

The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation has announced that applications are now open for Traditional New Plantings Cycle Eight and Existing Tree Therapies (ETT) Round Five.

TRADITIONAL NEW PLANTINGS

This program evaluates grower-selected rootstock and scion combinations under commercial growing conditions.

• Approved growers will receive a participation payment of at least $35 per tree.
• Growers may plant any commercially available eligible citrus varieties within the program planting window.
• Participants commit to submitting annual production data and complying with the grower participation agreement for a period of six years following planting.
• Trees must be planted between Aug. 4, 2025 and June 30, 2028.

EXISTING TREE THERAPIES

This program evaluates therapeutic treatments designed to improve the health and productivity of mature citrus trees affected by HLB.

• Growers will receive a participation payment of $450 per treated acre.
• Approved treatments include, but are not limited to, brassinosteroids, 2,4-D, gibberellic acid and the direct systemic injection of approved antimicrobials.
• Participants commit to a three-year evaluation period, including annual treatment and harvest reporting and compliance with the grower participation agreement.

EXISTING TREE THERAPIES EXTENSION

This program evaluates the impact of continued use of approved treatments on trees previously enrolled in ETT Rounds One to Four.

• Growers will receive a participation payment of $200 per treated acre.
• Approved treatments include, but are not limited to, brassinosteroids, 2,4-D, gibberellic acid and the direct systemic injection of approved antimicrobials.
• Treatments utilized in the Extension program must be consistent with the treatment approved for use in the initial ETT agreement.
• Participants commit to a one-year evaluation period, including annual treatment and harvest reporting and compliance with the grower participation agreement.

IMPORTANT DATES AND INFORMATION

• Application deadline: Oct. 30 at 11:59 p.m.
• Apply online here.

Growers are encouraged to review the program requirements and submit applications early. Additional details — including eligibility requirements, participation payments and application instructions — are available on the CRAFT website.

Growers with questions may contact CRAFT Interim Executive Director Tamara Wood at tamara@craftfdn.org, Assistant Program Manager Tina Buice at tina@craftfdn.org or Scientific Coordinator Carisa Keller at carisa@craftfdn.org.

Source: CRAFT