Citrus Research And Development Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~$40 million in research programme expenses
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: Florida citrus industry

Contact Details

• Website: https://citrusrdf.org
• Phone: (863) 956-8817
• Email: support@citrusrdf.org
• Address: 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL 33850

Overview

The Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) was established in April 2009 at the request of the Florida Department of Citrus in response to the devastating threat of citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing/HLB) to Florida's citrus industry. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Direct Support Organisation of the University of Florida, CRDF coordinates and funds critical citrus research with approximately $40 million in annual research programme expenses. The foundation's mission is to "advance disease and production research and product development activities to ensure the survival and competitiveness of Florida's citrus growers through innovation and research." With total assets of approximately $2.6 million and funded primarily through research box taxes on Florida citrus growers and legislative appropriations, CRDF serves as the primary coordinating body for citrus research funding in Florida.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

CRDF operates multiple research funding mechanisms:

• Annual RFP Programme: Competitive grants focusing on specific research priorities
• Discovery Research Programme: Major research funding programme
• Translational Research Programme: Supports translation of research to commercial application
• Directed Research Proposals: Targeted funding for specific research needs
• Off-cycle Proposals: For urgent tree health or fruit yield improvement research

Priority Areas

• Huanglongbing (citrus greening) research and management
• Citrus tree health improvements
• Fruit yield enhancement
• Transition from juvenility to maturity in citrus trees
• Disease resistance and production sustainability
• Product development for commercial application

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but funding appears limited to citrus-specific research relevant to Florida's industry.

Governance and Leadership

CRDF is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors comprising:

• 10 citrus growers
• 2 representatives from the University of Florida
• 1 representative from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Key Leadership:

• COO: Rick Dantzler
• Board President: Morgan Porter (fourth-generation citrus grower)

The organisation operates through multiple committees including Executive, Finance and Audit, Governance, Plant Improvement, and Research Management committees to oversee various aspects of research funding and administration.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

CRDF uses a two-stage competitive application process:

1. Preproposal Stage: Submit initial preproposal form through CRDF website
2. Full Proposal Stage: By invitation only, submit complete proposal with:
   • Proposal Cover and Budget forms
   • Personnel Current/Pending form
   • Subcontract Form (if applicable)
   • Institution Authorisation

Applications must follow strict formatting guidelines and include all required documents to be considered eligible.

Decision Timeline

• Annual RFP deadline typically in August
• Review and decision timeline not publicly specified

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified, though off-cycle proposals suggest flexibility for addressing urgent research needs

Application Success Factors

Based on CRDF's structure and priorities:

• Strong alignment with HLB research or citrus production challenges
• Clear commercial potential or pathway to grower implementation
• Collaboration with University of Florida or other established citrus research institutions
• Demonstration of how research addresses immediate industry needs
• Adherence to all formatting and submission requirements
• Focus on practical, translatable outcomes for Florida growers

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• CRDF is the primary coordinating body for citrus research funding in Florida with substantial resources (~$40M annually)
• Two-stage application process requires initial preproposal before full invitation
• Strong emphasis on addressing citrus greening (HLB) and practical grower solutions
• Organisation maintains close ties to University of Florida and Florida citrus industry
• Multiple funding pathways available including annual RFP, directed research, and off-cycle proposals
• Strict adherence to submission guidelines and deadlines is critical for eligibility

References

• Citrus Research and Development Foundation Official Website. https://citrusrdf.org. Accessed December 31, 2025
• CRDF Apply for Funding Page. https://citrusrdf.org/apply-for-funding/. Accessed December 31, 2025
• CRDF About Page. https://citrusrdf.org/about/. Accessed December 31, 2025
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Citrus Research and Development Foundation Inc. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/264825142. Accessed December 31, 2025
• GuideStar Profile - Citrus Research and Development Foundation Inc. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/26-4825142. Accessed December 31, 2025