Citrus Research And Development Foundation Stepping Up For An Industry In Need

It’s been 10 long years since we first spotted HLB in a commercial citrus grove in Florida. There was a lot of discussion after the positive find on how the industry should proceed with the immense research effort necessary to combat this insidious disease.

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Leaders knew we had to grow beyond the Florida Citrus Production Research Advisory Council (FCPRAC) and toward something more streamlined and structured to manage a world-class research push.

What emerged was the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), created as a Direct Support Organization of the University of Florida. In a 2009 referendum, growers overwhelmingly approved a research assessment up to 3¢ and authorized the CRDF to act on behalf of the industry.

Although HLB continues its methodical march across Florida’s citrus belt, I have no doubt we would be worse off if it weren’t for the work of the CRDF.

Digging For Dollars

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Let’s first talk about the organization’s role in garnering significant state and federal citrus research dollars to supplement the funding growers are outlaying. When Florida Citrus Mutual talks to elected officials in Tallahassee and Washington about appropriating research funding, it sure makes our sales pitch easier to have a management entity such as the CRDF.

The key to good lobbying is good communication and through the CRDF we can paint a clear picture on where the state and federal dollars will wind up. Legislators know the money will be managed efficiently. Don’t underestimate this advantage.

Florida citrus researchers have enjoyed an unprecedented infusion of state and federal grant dollars over the past few years including $125 million in the Farm Bill, more than $20 million in state appropriations, and about $20 million in other federal dollars. Those dollars support projects that growers would otherwise have to fund.

CRDF projects are now making great strides in providing solutions to citrus growers. We have the best and brightest researchers working on the puzzle right now. CRDF projects helped create a network of citrus health management areas (CHMAs) across Florida. The CHMAs are doing a tremendous job cooperatively killing the Asian citrus psyllid and many experts would argue we would already be done as an industry without the CHMAs.

CRDF-funded scientists also are finding rootstocks tolerant to HLB. These new rootstocks are giving growers confidence and represent the best chance we have to get new trees in the ground to rebuild our industry.

Most importantly, the CRDF is leading the charge on getting two bactericides (streptomycin and oxytetracycline) registered with the EPA. These two compounds will provide valuable therapy for existing trees. Obtaining a Section 18 emergency exemption is no easy task and would be downright impossible if not for the CRDF’s and its affiliated entities’ expertise.

Show And Tell

One of the keys to the CRDF is transparency; it is run by growers for the benefit of growers. The 13-member board of directors has super majority of growers and all of their business is conducted in public meetings and subject to Florida Sunshine laws. Take note, the representatives on the CRDF Board are volunteers and spend countless hours reviewing projects and tending to the Foundation’s business. It is quite a level of commitment and our industry should be thankful for their service.

The CRDF’s website contains presentations, white papers, projects updates, and a host of information related to citrus research. Plus, I know Dr. (Harold) Browning will go wherever he’s needed to provide updates to growers. He may put more miles on his car than I do!

Quite frankly, if a grower isn’t aware of what the CRDF is doing, it is his or her own fault.

We all know resilience is a hallmark of the of Florida citrus grower. Well, the CRDF was borne out of that resilience when industry leaders knew we had to take research to the next level. We started from ground zero knowing next to nothing about HLB. The industry now has a deep reservoir of information, understanding, and data regarding the disease. Finding solutions in the laboratory is not an easy process; however, the CRDF gives us the best chance to beat HLB and whatever disease challenges we will face in the future.

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Avatar for Douglas W Speed Sr Douglas W Speed Sr says:

$145 million dollars over ten years -Wow. How many of those dollars has the good Dr. Browing taken home in salary ?
This is a vector disease caused by a bacteria. Ten years ago we advised the CRDF to fight fire with fire. That the solution was to use benefical, non toxic all natural bacteria to combat greening. A number of in the field tests proved this approach. The CRDF has ignored this approach and will continue to do so until ALL the DOLLARS are spent.

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