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Month: April 2020

CRDF is committed to genetic modification of citrus; Dantzler keeps deferring to Bayer

Genetic modification of citrus appears to be the top priority for Rick Dantzler and Florida’s Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), according to the discussion at today’s CRDF board meeting. Foundation COO Rick Dantzler says he’s committed to keeping the Monsanto-Bayer project alive, even thoughContinue ReadingCRDF is committed to genetic modification of citrus; Dantzler keeps deferring to Bayer

Dantzler’s 3-year Monsanto deal was a disaster for citrus farmers

The most costly project of the group created to save Florida citrus farmers has been a wasteful disaster. It produced nothing, wasted un-recoverable time, and allowed the HLB citrus greening disease to spread. Even worse, after three years and $12.3 million, the Citrus Research andContinue ReadingDantzler’s 3-year Monsanto deal was a disaster for citrus farmers

Asian citrus psyllid is in Arizona, but HLB isn’t there yet

“We’re surrounded,” an Arizona Department of Agriculture official says about citrus greening. The disease, also called HLB, “has already decimated citrus groves in the other major citrus-producing states of Florida, California, and Texas,” the Arizona Republic reports. “Once you have it,” says Arizona citrus farmerContinue ReadingAsian citrus psyllid is in Arizona, but HLB isn’t there yet

Florida should withhold CRDF’s $8 million until Dantzler cleans up his mess

The State of Florida is expected to provide about $8 million in appropriated taxpayer funds to the controversial Citrus Research and Defense Foundation. We think that the state should wait until CRDF under Rick Dantzler cleans up its act. CRDF has what many citrus farmersContinue ReadingFlorida should withhold CRDF’s $8 million until Dantzler cleans up his mess

Millions are learning about how CRDF is blocking research on low-cost solutions

In just two days, more than 3.5 million people saw the Sun-Sentinel article about how CRDF has prevented large-scale testing of an inexpensive, off-the-shelf fertilizer that shows signs of helping citrus trees infected by HLB disease. This count relates only to people who saw theContinue ReadingMillions are learning about how CRDF is blocking research on low-cost solutions