Story and photos courtesy Vidalia Onion Committee
After an unusual start to the Vidalia onion growing season, farmers bounced back and sold more than 5 million 40-pound units during the 2018 season, according to the Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC).
“We’re pleased to have had another season of success and high-quality onions to make available to consumers, who have enjoyed the taste of Vidalia onions for more than 80 years,” said Bob Stafford, the VOC’s manager.
Despite experiencing snow and freezing weather at the start of the season, most growers recovered with only a slight stand loss and experienced one of the best harvests in recent years.
Moving into the 2019 growing season, Stafford expects growers to see an increased demand for Vidalia onions’ unique flavor profile among consumers and more stable wholesale pricing as a result of ongoing research into improved growing methods and varieties.
“We’re always exploring new research projects to improve our growers’ operations,” Stafford said. “One of our current research initiatives is looking to use mechanical ‘plant tape’ to supplement hand planting.”
Vidalia onions have been planted, harvested and cured by hand for more than 80 years. This new research could revolutionize the growing process, making it easier for farmers and their employees. After promising results in several test acres this season, the VOC will continue to look into this process as another potential innovation to roll out to farmers in the future.
The committee also continuously works with new varieties at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center, seeking to provide consumers with an even better tasting onion with increased shelf life.
Last year, the VOC celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Vidalia trademark by debuting a new brand mark and marketing campaign, “Only Vidalia,” to reflect the artisanal approach to growing Vidalia onions that farmers have perfected over time and to remind people that Vidalia onions have the sweet, mild flavor profile that has made it an essential ingredient for a wide range of dishes.
Vidalia onions are grown on 12,000 acres annually and represent about 40 percent of the sweet onion market. The crop is produced by approximately 60 registered growers in 20 South Georgia counties and is available in the spring and summer. Sold in every state, the annual value of the crop is about $150 million.
The 2018 Vidalia onion crop was one of the best in recent years despite snow and freezing temperatures at the start of the season.
