On a periodic basis FCIRCC establishes industry wide research priorities. Input is provided by growers, processors, packers and harvesters. The council also maintains a data base of research projects conducted in the US and is working on expanding to a world wide base. Gaps and Needs in research are determined from the priorities identified and the projects conducted. The council then works to bridge any gaps and meet the needs that exist. One of the primary functions of the FCIRCC is to remove roadblocks to research. Currently the council is focusing efforts on having a sustainable citrus research program.
The council is a resource for citrus industry lobbyists pursuing state, federal or other funding for the various research priorities. In addition the FCIRCC can facilitate writing or assistance for research agencies to secure funding to bridge the identified gaps.
FCIRCC works closely with the Citrus Research and Development Foundation to assure that high priority items are funded.
The FCIRCC has established a Canker Task Force and a Greening Task Force to assure closer interaction between the citrus industry, research agencies, and regulatory community.
The FCIRCC develops an annual report and provides periodic updates to the Florida Citrus Commission. Copies of all reports, minutes of council meetings, updates from the task forces and other relevant items are posted on the FCIRCC web page.
Lastly, the council periodically becomes involved in related issues that they feel are of great value to the industry. An example was the role of FCIRCC to obtain 24c pesticide labels for low volume applications.
