Florida citrus growers participating in the Cycle 7 field trials of the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) recently received a boost of financial support.
At a recent Florida Citrus Commission meeting, the FDOC’s Scientific Research Department proposed the allotment of $2 million in non-recurring general revenue funds to reimburse participating growers for a portion of the licensing fees associated with CRISPR rootstocks and other emerging varieties obtained through the CRAFT Cycle 7 program. Growers will be compensated up to $6 per tree for approved CRISPR rootstocks and up to $1 per tree for other emerging varieties. The Commission unanimously approved the recommendation.
“It is a way for us to help growers mitigate some of the licensing fee costs as they choose which varieties to plant,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, deputy executive director of administration and research for the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC).
The funds designated for this reimbursement program are separate from the CRAFT funds, which provide $35 per tree to the grower in two payments as part of the grower participation agreement. Approved program participants must submit data annually to CRAFT for a minimum of six years, including harvest data and confirmation of continued program compliance. All approved projects must be planted by June 2027.
According to a report released by CRAFT in late 2025, more than 2000 applications were processed for its Year 7 programs, including 220 Fast Track applications. In addition to the traditional new tree planting program, Year 7 projects include evaluating emerging varieties as well as evaluating existing tree therapies in mature trees.
“There are other programs running in parallel with CRAFT, such as the Program for Expedited Propagation,” noted Walsh. “Citrus trees are not like blueberries or strawberries where you can replant and see quicker results. So, when a disease like greening appears and you can’t replant every year, it takes a while to recover,” explained Walsh. “That’s what makes programs like these so important.”