Abstract
As the Florida Citrus Production Research Advisory Council (FCPRAC) moves into its third year, it is appropriate to reflect on the progress made to date. This research support program was conceived by some forward-thinking citrus growers and through their effort, and that of many industry groups, became a reality when approved by a referendum of growers in 1991. The referendum established a marketing order which allowed the collection of one-half of one cent per box of citrus fruit marketed from the Florida citrus crop. The order also directed the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture to appoint a 14-member council representative of the geographic distribution of production within the state. This council has the responsibility for assessing citrus production research needs, supporting the research through grants derived from the monies collected, and monitoring and reporting the progress of each project funded by the order. To date, over 3.5 million dollars have been collected from the assessment and slightly over 3.0 million dollars have been awarded as research grants, with the other 0.5 million held in reserve. Without these funds, much of the citrus research conducted today by the University of Florida, IFAS, and the USDA would not be possible.
