Arizona Citrus Research Council - FY27

The Arizona Citrus Research Council (ACRC) has established a grant program for Fiscal Year 2027 to support Arizona citrus producers by funding research that identifies solutions to production issues. The program focuses on five primary areas: pest eradication, citrus production and post-harvest techniques, varietal development, technology enhancements, and the development of genetically designed trees resistant to HLB/ACP. Approximately 20,000 dollars is available for this cycle. Applications must be submitted online by November 28, 2026, and must include a signed cover sheet and an itemized budget consisting only of direct costs, as indirect and overhead expenses are prohibited. Awards are expected to be issued in December 2026, with the ACRC potentially scheduling voluntary applicant presentations on December 8, 2026. Evaluation is based on prior performance, the project's ability to solve current and future industry issues, alignment with industry surveys, budget and timeline appropriateness, and applicant qualifications. Awardees are required to submit annual reports by July 31st and a final report within 90 days of project completion to avoid forfeiture of final payment. Additionally, all research findings must be made available to producers through the ACRC, and awardees must retain all project records for five years for potential audit by State of Arizona personnel. Individual applicants must provide proof of lawful presence in the United States, and employer applicants must demonstrate participation in the e-verify program.