Big Research Grant Takes Aim At HLB
September 27, 2013 
The Florida citrus market has suffered a loss of more than $4.5 billion in crops and is down an estimated 8,300 jobs due to HLB. In an effort to find a solution for the serious disease, Bayer CropScience announced a collaboration with the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation to create a three-year grant program for HLB research. The $200,000 grant was awarded to the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) during a dinner at the 70th FFVA Annual Meeting in Amelia Island.
Local Bayer representatives in Florida were the drivers behind the grant because they realized the threat HLB represents to their customers and friends in the state. “The Florida Specialty Crop Foundation and CRDF are natural partners for us in this effort, as both organizations have the citrus expertise and outstanding research capabilities needed to combat this serious disease,” said Rob Schrick, horticulture business lead, Bayer CropScience.
Big donation by @Bayer4CropsUS tonight to help in the fight against HLB. #FFVA2013 pic.twitter.com/owCpnwTx4g
— Frank Florida Grower (@FrankFLG) September 23, 2013
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In its first year, the grant will support CRDF’s existing research on HLB and Asian citrus psyllid. For the remaining years, the collaboration partners will convene to discuss the state of the industry and determine the necessary research.
“Bayer CropScience is dedicated to providing innovative solutions for the food chain,” said Florida Specialty Crop Foundation Executive Director Sonia Tighe. “We are honored that Bayer continues to partner with our foundation to meet the needs of growers and the citrus industry.”
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