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Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program (CDRE) FAQs

1) What is the SCRI Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program (CDRE)?

The SCRI Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program (CDRE) is a mandatory USDA grant program administered through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). It was authorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (H.R. 2642) and is focused on supporting practical, applied work that protects the long-term viability of citrus production in the United States.

2) What is the main purpose of this grant program?

The program exists to address serious citrus disease and pest threats that could cause significant harm to the U.S. citrus industry. It supports projects intended to develop and advance solutions that can be used in real-world citrus production settings.

3) Which citrus threats are specifically highlighted in the program description?

The program calls particular attention to huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, and its primary insect vector, the Asian citrus psyllid. These are described as threats posing imminent harm to the U.S. citrus industry.

4) Is this opportunity limited to domestic citrus issues?

No. The program is aimed at both domestic and invasive citrus problems.

5) Is this grant only for laboratory research?

No. The opportunity supports a broad mix of activities beyond laboratory research, including research and extension, technical assistance, and development work that helps move promising solutions toward real-world adoption.

6) What does "extension" mean in the context of this program?

Extension refers to efforts that get research findings into the hands of growers and industry, helping ensure that useful results are communicated and used in practice.

7) Does the program support moving solutions toward commercialization?

Yes. In addition to developing ways to combat citrus diseases and pests, the program emphasizes dissemination and commercialization. The intent is not only to generate useful outcomes, but also to support transferring and putting those outcomes to work in the field or marketplace.

8) Can applicants build on previous citrus research projects?

Yes. The program indicates that it supports building on results from SCRI/CDRE-funded efforts and other related citrus research and extension projects.

9) What is the official funding opportunity number for this announcement?

The official funding opportunity number is USDA NIFA SCRI 004959.

10) What CFDA program does this fall under?

This opportunity falls under CFDA 10.309, the Specialty Crop Research Initiative.

11) What type of funding instrument is being used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

12) What activity category is listed for this opportunity?

The activity category is agriculture.

13) How much total funding is estimated for this announcement?

The estimated total funding listed is 23,000,000.

14) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. A cost sharing or matching requirement applies, meaning applicants should expect to contribute non-federal resources according to the program rules described in the full announcement.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is intentionally broad. Applications may be submitted by federal agencies, national laboratories, colleges and universities, research institutions and organizations, private organizations or corporations, state agricultural experiment stations, individuals, or groups made up of two or more of these entity types.

16) Are multi-institution or cross-sector teams encouraged?

Yes. The wide eligibility structure is intended to encourage strong multi-institution and cross-sector approaches, including teams that combine research capacity, extension delivery, and industry implementation.

17) What was the submission process for the 2015 cycle?

The 2015 cycle used a two-stage submission process: (1) a pre-application stage, and (2) a full application stage submitted by invitation.

18) When were pre-applications due for the 2015 cycle?

Pre-applications were due by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on June 1, 2015.

19) When were full applications due for the 2015 cycle?

Full applications (by invitation) were due by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on August 14, 2015, which is also listed as the closing date.

20) When was this opportunity posted, created, and archived?

The opportunity was posted on April 1, 2015, created on April 7, 2015, and later archived on September 13, 2015.

21) Where can applicants get help with access or technical issues?

For access or technical issues with the announcement, NIFA directed applicants to the NIFA Help Desk at 202-401-5048.

22) What are the NIFA Help Desk hours listed in the announcement?

The listed hours are standard weekday business hours, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays.

23) Is there a contact option for questions about application content?

Yes. The announcement indicates additional contact support for questions related to application content.

24) What kinds of project outcomes is the program trying to promote?

Based on the description provided, the program is looking for outcomes that are practical and applied, can be communicated to growers and industry, and can be transferred into field use or the marketplace, including through dissemination and commercialization.