Dr. George L. Staby, Founder
Chain of Life Network®

Born and raised in Connecticut, Dr. Staby received his B.S. in Plant Science at the University of Connecticut (l966) and M.S. (l967) and Ph.D. (l970) in Horticulture at Michigan State University.

From 1970-1982, he was an Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor of Horticulture at the Ohio State University. His teaching responsibilities included both undergraduate and graduate level courses in floriculture and postharvest physiology while his research projects centered on improving the longevity of floral crops. He was also involved with various floral marketing related research projects. During his tenure he traveled extensively worldwide dealing with the production, harvesting and postharvest handling of floral crops. In 1975, Professor Staby working with Professors D. C. Kiplinger, J. L. Robertson and C. A. Conover initiated an industry wide floral care and handling educational program named Chain of Life.

He spent a sabbatical leave from 1977-1978 as a Visiting Professor of Environmental Horticulture at the University of California, Davis. From 1982-1983, Dr. Staby was Vice President of Research of a firm that developed technologies for the transport of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and meats under controlled atmospheres.

In September 1983, he and Dr. R. E. Woodruff formed a research and consulting firm, Perishables Research Organization (PRO), whose purpose is to provide research and information on the postharvest storage, handling, and marketing of fruit, vegetable, and floral crops. As president, he has been involved in consulting and research activities with technical and transportation firms dealing with perishables, retail and wholesale florists, flower growers, fruit and vegetable industry organizations, major corporations investing in the horticulture industries, and entrepreneurs mainly in the floral trade.

He has authored or coauthored approximately 250 scientific and floral trade articles and three books, presented about 365 talks, granted four patents, and provided expert witness testimonies in the U.S. and Canadian judicial systems.

Through his efforts and the efforts of his PRO Associates, over 25 products have been developed and brought to the floral industry in the last 20 years. Some of these products required detailed EPA registration work while others required extensive efficacy and/or marketing research. His latest project is the establishment of the Chain of Life Network® and its corresponding website.

Dr. Staby and his wife/partner Kathy of 38 plus years reside and work in Pioneer, CA. They have two grown sons and two grandsons.