Donald
Thompson (Thompson Nursery, Thompson Grove Care Inc. and
Thompson’s
Rio Pride Citrus) is a native of the Rio Grande Valley. He was
born in Weslaco, Texas in 1938. He joined his father, Paul,
in the citrus business
in 1957.
In
1972, Mr. Thompson went into business for himself, growing
citrus. Key components
to his success have been “innovation” and “quality.” He
has always been willing to take the lead in trying new methods
of irrigation and grapefruit production.
Mr.
Thompson harvested the first commerical production of Star
Ruby and Rio Red Grapefruit in the world.
Mr.
Thompson has always been heavily involved in promoting the
Texas Citrus industry. He has served on
many committees
and as chairman
of the Texas Valley Citrus Committee and the Texas Citrus
Exchange. He was president of Texas Citrus Mutual. He is a
past recipient
of the Texas Citrus Mutual “Grower of the Year” award.
Mr. Thompson was selected to serve on the Texas A&M Citrus center
Advisory Board in 2000. He is the past “King Citrus” Texas
Citrus Festival.
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