Arizona Citrus Research Council

The Arizona Citrus Research Council (ACRC) administers a competitive grant program that supports applied research addressing issues relevant to Arizona citrus producers. Established under the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Consultation and Training program, the Council funds projects designed to identify practical solutions to challenges in citrus production. Through these grants, the ACRC aims to enhance the long-term sustainability, productivity, and profitability of the state’s citrus industry while ensuring that all research findings are shared with local growers and stakeholders. The funding for this program is derived primarily from per-carton and per-carton-equivalent assessments collected on citrus grown within Arizona under A.R.S. §§ 3-468 and 3-468.04, along with other monies in the ACRC fund. For the current cycle, approximately $78,350 is available for distribution, with an estimated $28,350 allocated for this particular round. The Council reserves the right to award multiple grants or multi-year projects depending on available funds and the quality of proposals received. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as local and state governments, academic institutions, consortia, Native American tribes, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, and schools or school districts. Individual applicants may also apply if they provide proof of lawful presence in the United States pursuant to A.R.S. § 1-502 and 8 U.S.C. § 1621. Any employer applying must demonstrate participation in the federal e-verify program. The grant does not require matching funds, reducing barriers to participation for smaller organizations and independent researchers. Applications open on October 6, 2025, and close on October 31, 2025. Proposals must be submitted online through the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s grant portal. There are no pre-application requirements or letters of intent required for this opportunity. Applicants should prepare a full proposal describing the research objectives, methods, expected benefits to Arizona citrus producers, and dissemination plan for results. Awards are expected to be announced in December 2025, and the program may be renewed on an annual basis depending on available funds. Evaluation of proposals will be conducted according to the competitive grant solicitation requirements of A.A.C. R3-9-506, which emphasize scientific rigor, feasibility, and the potential for positive industry impact. All resulting research abstracts and reports will be made available to the citrus-growing community through the ACRC. For assistance or clarification, applicants may contact the Council Administrator, Ashley Estes, at aestes@azda.gov or by phone at 602-542-3262. The mailing address is 1110 W. Washington St., Suite 450, Phoenix, AZ 85007.