In Focus: Paul Fabry

1. You’ve been in the citrus nursery business for many years. When canker eradication came along, how disruptive was it for your nursery and overall tree supply?
Fabry: “Very disruptive. Back in the 1990s, Swingle Citrumelo was suspect even though there was no canker found. It was heartbreaking to watch my mom have to get rid of hundreds of thousands of trees. It has been a very slow rebuilding process. Currently, canker and HLB have taken their toll on growers who are often hesitant to replant, and consequently citrus acreage continues to decline. Unless growers embrace and learn to live with HLB and canker, there will be no citrus industry in Florida.”
2. How has nursery production improved since canker eradication?
Fabry: “Citrus growers today can be very confident that the current DPI regulations are protecting nursery trees from not just canker, but also — and more importantly — HLB. With the current monthly inspections and stringent greenhouse protocols, the trees that are produced today are of the best quality ever, especially considering the registered/certified budwood that originates from DPI-Chiefland, the world standard of clean budwood. We also spray monthly as a preventative for both canker and psyllids, even though there are no groves within a mile of our nursery location.”

 

Advertisement

3. You have groves in addition to your nursery. Are you and your customers feeling more optimistic about the fight against greening? If so, why?
Fabry:
“One can’t be too careful when fighting HLB. Absolutely, we are optimistic about living with HLB. There are many examples of growers who have increased production while being virtually 100% HLB positive. We have HLB pressure in our own groves and are doing great with our blend of foliar fertilizers and fungicides not only to combat HLB, but also to improve pounds solids per acre. The current canker/HLB situation has created a terrific opportunity for us both as growers and nursery growers, and I have never been more bullish on Florida citrus than now.”

4. How important is maintaining citrus as a part of Florida’s identity?
Fabry: “It is heartbreaking that Orange County is a shell of what it used to be as far as citrus goes. As the last remaining citrus nursery in Orange County, I feel like we are carrying on a tradition that my grandfather started and I now as a grandfather, look forward to training up the fifth generation in the citrus and nursery business. Florida just wouldn’t be Florida without citrus.”

In Focus: Paul Fabry

5. How have computerized components bolstered production?
Fabry:
“Greatly. The watering is carefully controlled based on crop needs and every drop of water has a carefully metered amount of liquid fertilizer for constant feed fertigation. My dad taught me this and we have done it this way for 40 years. The key is to keep the tree growing and not wanting for anything making a healthy root system that is ready to grow when planted.”

Top Articles
Have a Plan For Climate Change? Why Fruit Growers Need To Act Now

6. Talk about the citrus lifestyle and what it has meant to your family.
Fabry:
“Some of my fondest memories as a child are when I would spend time with my grandfather. I would help him move above ground sprinkler laterals and there were always trees that needed a hoe. Despite the challenges we face now, I feel my grandfather had it harder. The best memory with my grandfather was getting up early, going out in the grove in his old Ford stepside-column shift with oversized rear tires sagging with only about 15 PSI, and picking whatever was in season Hamlins, Pineapples and Valencias. We would then hand-squeeze the best Florida had to offer along with eggs, bacon, grits, and toasted homemade bread. I repeat this exactly several times a week and duplicate what my grandparents taught me. It’s impossible to have a bad day after a breakfast like that. I grew up experiencing Florida citrus at its best, and I hope that everyone else can appreciate it as I have.”

0

Leave a Reply

Avatar for Kathy Amen Kathy Amen says:

Dear Paul, We are rich with the memories our Grandfather's passed on to us. Your story warms my heart,as well as your smile. You light up when it is something you are passionate about. My passion is my Orange Marmalade, so I can only imagine what a thrill it is to carry on your Grandfathers dream. If your ever in Live Oak, CA, I will have Orange Marmalade for you on that Homemade bread:) God Bless, Kathy Amen

Avatar for Barbara Baker Frush Barbara Baker Frush says:

I knew a Paul Fabry from Youngstown, Ohio. Went to North High School. Any relation?

Avatar for Beth Hooie Beth Hooie says:

Saw the commercial, I thought this guy really loves his work. You don't find that much anymore. If you would like to chat e-mail me at the above address. Beth

Avatar for Tessy Baker Tessy Baker says:

Hi. Enjoy how much you love your work. I grew up on a dairy farm. Farming is a way of life. It is obvious you have a Passion for your work . Do you have a bio available? Would be interested in talking to you, unless you have a wife of course. I wouldn't' even be the other woman in my own marriage. That's why I'm not married now.

Avatar for Pamela Pamela says:

Great commercial Paul And the smile too… Happy Easter!!!!

Avatar for Jane Lanham Jane Lanham says:

Sending a shout out to ya from 800 Lick Run Road, Lebanon, KY 40033. Love your commercial as a Tropicana Grower. It must be hard work, hope that it is going well for you. Enjoy the rest of the spring and God Bless! Drop me a line if your schedule allows. I have no home enternet service at this time. Still, I do admire your work-life, style, and smile.

Avatar for vauney vauney says:

Hi Paul, I envy you your wonderful orange groves. The sunshine…to see ones own orange trees in blossom must be a truly magical experience..the scent wow! working close to nature and her dazzling bounty is life affirming. I wish you ever success. kindest regards, vauney malone

Avatar for Sandra DiCillo Sandra DiCillo says:

Mr. Fabry, I thoroughly enjoy watching your commercial and I have to agree with the other ladies, you really have an infectious smile. Your family is truly blessed with your smile and expertise. It really makes it all complete when I go to Tropicana Field, to watch the Tampa Bay Rays play ball, and realize where the wonderful oranges that make Tropicana so good comes from. Keep up the good work and keep smiling…you sold me!! Sandy

Avatar for Diane Diane says:

Hi from the UK. I love tha ad and it's great to see a real farmer rather than an actor fronting it. Your article was very interesting, showing the unexpected difficulties that farming can throw at you and it's great t hat you overcame them although sad to hear you are the only orange nursery left in Orange County. I can relate to you talking about your Grandfather as I have similar lovely childhood memories of being my Grandfather's shadow when he worked at the local cattle market visiting local farms. Farming is the backbone of a community. Take care and all success for you and the future Fabry orange growers.

Avatar for Martha Martha says:

Hello from the U.K, wonderful produce with great quality but my question is this…..was i the only lady that wondered if Mr Paul Fabry was single?? be honest ladies ;-)) Wish you all well…cheerio

Avatar for KARI KARI says:

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING AND YOU ONLY HAVE ONE MUM,ALWAYS KNOW WHERE YOU CAME FROM,

Avatar for Michelle Cox Michelle Cox says:

Hi Paul, My Son really loves your advert, everytime you come on the TV he always says you have such a kind and lovely face! He is a big fan. He also loves the oranges!!! He always says he would love to have a glass of juice with you. Good Job along with a great face! 🙂

Avatar for Michelle Cox Michelle Cox says:

Paul, I meant to say if there is anyway you could send me a signed photo it would make his day! Thank you!

Avatar for Sallyann Welch Sallyann Welch says:

Hi Paul, love ur Tropicana ad on tv and i see from the comments i'm not the only one. A lovely smile and lovely voice. I'm in the UK but wish i could get to Florida to see where you're business goes on but its a big state and i wouldnt have a clue where you are. If you do have time to reply would love to hear back, Sallyann.

Avatar for Maria Maria says:

Hi Paul, just to let you know how much I love seeing your add on TV, orange is one of my Favorite Fruit. Plus you look so Lovely, Kind, and handsome. And the sound of your voice feels so warm. No wonder why Tropicana juice is number 1. Kind Regards Maria

Avatar for nicole marie nicole marie says:

dear paul, i was just wondering how did you do that magic you did on that tropicana advert?you remind me of george clooney!

hello paul, i was just wondering how did you do that magic you did on that commercial?I LOVED it, you reminded me very much of george clooney in his hayday! i love what you are doing in memorial of your grandfather. I quote “mother nature at its best!” LOVE IT .

Advertisement