Citrus Research and Development
The Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Direct Support Organization of the University of Florida, headquartered in Lake Alfred, Florida. Established in April 2009 in response to the threat of citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing/HLB) to Florida's citrus industry, CRDF serves as the primary coordinating body for citrus research funding in Florida. The foundation reviews, approves, and coordinates research projects focused on developing and delivering solutions to citrus diseases.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$3.7M
+43.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$20.3M
-48.3% YoY
Grant Count
7
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$2.9M
-48.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: "Advance disease and production research and product development activities to ensure the survival and competitiveness of Florida's citrus growers through innovation and research."
CRDF's primary focus areas include:
- Citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing/HLB) research and development
- Disease management and prevention
- Production research and improvement
- Product development for citrus industry applications
- Integrated pest and disease management
- Sustainable fresh citrus production technologies
The foundation's work encompasses research on protective growing systems, pest and disease scouting technologies, rootstock and scion selection, and horticultural improvements for citrus production.
Grantmaking
CRDF operates multiple research funding mechanisms:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Florida citrus industry, with primary emphasis on supporting Florida citrus growers and allied industries.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
- Total Assets: $3.7 million (most recent filing)
- Total Giving: $20.3 million
- Annual Revenue: $39.4 million (2024)
- Annual Expenses: $40 million (2024)
- Total Liabilities: $882,000 (2024)
Funding Sources: Research box taxes levied on Florida citrus growers, legislative appropriations, and private donations.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,716,777 | $2,582,151 | $3,702,804 |
| Revenue | $19,971,890 | $39,410,905 | $14,021,442 |
| Expenses | $21,004,518 | $40,027,704 | $13,973,788 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $109,334 | $124,230 | $62,135 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 7 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
35 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Principal Officer: Rick Dantzler
- Board of Directors: 13-member board composed of ten growers, two representatives from the University of Florida, and one representative from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Chief Operating Officer: Handles day-to-day management of the organization
- Project Managers: Oversee the research project portfolio
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICK DANTZLER | CHIEF OP OFF | 40 | $170,684 |
| GEORGE HAMNER | SECRETARY | 10 | — |
| DEELY HUNT | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| JOHN UPDIKE JR | EMERITUS | 5 | — |
| MATT MACHATA | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| RON MAHAN | TREASURER | 10 | — |
| MORGAN MCKENNA | PRESIDENT | 15 | — |
| TREVOR MURPHY | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| CHRIS GUNTER PHD | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| JOHN DAVIS PHD | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| JOBY SHERROD | VICE PRESIDE | 10 | — |
| SARAH SPINOSA | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| MATTHEW STORY | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
CRDF continues to fund significant research initiatives addressing citrus disease challenges. The foundation has recently awarded funding for multiple research projects and maintains active partnerships with the University of Florida's Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) and Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC). Current research initiatives include the Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) project, which develops technologies for sustainable fresh citrus production using protective screening to exclude Asian citrus psyllid and prevent HLB disease.
CRDF Board Funds More Research Projects - CRDF Citrus Industry MagazineContact Information
- Address: 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
- Phone: (863) 956-8817
- Email: support@citrusrdf.org
- Website: citrusrdf.org
- EIN: 26-4825142
- Tax-exempt Status: Since January 2012
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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