Open Forum To Help Put More Florida Citrus On The Fast Track

New varieties are the lifeblood of the Florida citrus industry. When there was a call to improve the new variety evaluation process, the FAST TRACK program was developed. That was four years ago. As the pressure mounts in the race against HLB, industry allies are seeking ways to streamline the system and maybe add some horsepower.

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The New Varieties Development & Management Corp. (NVDMC) has announced an open forum, inviting growers, nurseries, and other industry stakeholders to review the FAST TRACK program, discuss its implementation, and how it might be improved.

The meeting is slated for Jan. 5, 2017 (10 a.m. to noon) at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred FL.

Co-developed by UF/IFAS, Florida Foundation Seed Producers Inc., and NVDMC, FAST TRACK was designed to enable citrus growers and nurseries to access experimental UF/IFAS fresh citrus selections much earlier in the process than was historically possible. Through FAST TRACK, growers can register to experimentally trial newly identified fresh citrus selections and become part of a grower group for one or more particular selections.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP to Lucy Nieves by fax (321) 214-0223 or email [email protected].

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All questions should be directed to Peter Chaires: 321-214-5214 or [email protected].

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