CRAFT in the News
Strength in Numbers for ‘We Believe in Florida Citrus’ Movement
https://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/strength-in-numbers-for-we-believe-in-citrus-movement/
(Growing Produce © 03/01/2021)
Citrus growers in Florida know the statistics on the impact that HLB has had all too well. Production down by more than 70% and acreage dipping below a half-million acres. Estimates for this season also point to another year-over-year decline in production. Despite the scale of damage brought by HLB, citrus growers remain persistent and believe the industry can survive into the future — and thrive — once more permanent solutions to the disease, spread by the tiny Asian citrus psyllid, are found.
http://citrusindustry.net/2020/06/09/more-craft-plantings-to-come/
(Citrus Industry Magazine © 06/09/2020)
A second phase of government-supported HLB research projects in Florida’s commercial groves is expected to be initiated this year by the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation. A first phase, in which participating growers must have trees in the ground before June 30, saw growers signing up for 46 projects on 2,032 acres. Learn more about the first phase here.
CRAFT Growers Planting 2,032 Florida Citrus Acres
http://citrusindustry.net/2020/06/02/craft-growers-planting-2032-florida-citrus-acres/
(Citrus Industry Magazine © 06/02/2020)
Florida growers have signed up for 46 HLB research projects representing 2,032 acres through the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation, Executive Director Kristen Carlson reported recently. Solid-set projects account for 1,641 acres; resets for 391 acres. “Some growers have more than one project,” Carlson said.
How the Future of Florida Citrus is Being Crafted
https://www.growingproduce.com/citrus/how-the-future-of-florida-citrus-is-being-crafted/
(Florida Grower © 05/02/2020)
As we wade our way through these difficult and unprecedented times, it is just as important now as ever that we are able to grow a healthy Florida citrus crop. To that end, the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) program continues to move forward — adjusting for many unforeseen challenges — to find efficient, effective, and economically feasible methods for growers to produce a quality crop in the face of HLB.
CRAFT Foundation to Apply for Funds to Expand Program and Evaluations
flcitrusmutual.com/files/b0c40e15-9def-49eb-a.pdf
(Florida Citrus Mutual Triangle © 04/10/2020)
In March, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the availability of funds for the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program. NIFA is soliciting proposals to develop tactics and strategies to control HLB. One of the goals of the program is to increase efforts to move breeding selections into large scale evaluation of breeding lines for performance and consumer acceptance. Answering the call, the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation Inc. (CRAFT) board of directors voted this week to apply for funding to progress this work.
CRAFT to Host Workshop for Program Updates and Discussion
flcitrusmutual.com/files/60cb0c97-72a4-4ebd-b.pdf
(Florida Citrus Mutual Triangle © 03/09/2020)
The Florida Citrus Mutual Board of Directors will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 11 at 9:00 a.m. at its headquarters located on the first floor of the BB&T Building in Bartow.
CRAFT to Host Workshop to Begin Discussions on Program’s Cycle Two
(CRAFT Press Release © 02/27/2020)
February 27, 2020, Bartow FL – The Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation, Inc. (CRAFT) will host a two-hour workshop from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020 to discuss the progress of the CRAFT program and to begin discussions regarding the development of the second cycle which is expected to launch this summer.
Strong Response Seen for CRAFT Participation
flcitrusmutual.com/files/a130c9cb-6e6f-48bd-a.pdf
(Florida Citrus Mutual Triangle © 11/15/2019)
More than forty applicants submitted proposals for projects to be included in the first round of the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Program…
CRAFT Program Good for Florida Citrus Industry Long Term
flcitrusmutual.com/files/a130c9cb-6e6f-48bd-a.pdf
(Florida Citrus Mutual Triangle © 10/21/2019)
Why do we need more trees in the ground? We can’t sell the juice we have. And, why is the industry ramping up the Citrus Research and Field Trials (CRAFT) program…
CRAFT Application Period Opening Soon
http://citrusindustry.net/2019/09/04/craft-application-period-opening-soon/
(Citrus Industry Magazine © 09/04/2019)
The Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation Inc. (CRAFT Foundation) board of directors, technical working group (TWG), staff and a legion of volunteers have been working at top speed throughout the summer finalizing the formation, organization and funding of the CRAFT program.
How to Build up Citrus Strength With Demonstration Blocks
https://www.growingproduce.com/citrus/how-to-build-up-citrus-strength-with-demonstration-blocks/
(Growing Produce © 08/12/2019)
More citrus growers and nurseries are looking to data from replicated field trials to inform their planting decisions. Many of the scion/rootstock combinations under consideration today are largely unknown…