After closing the book on a successful 2019 season, the Vidalia onion industry is gearing up for 2020.
Vidalia onion growers started the 2019 season with 2,000 fewer acres planted than the previous year. But, due to exceptional weather during the harvest season, growers reported good yields and good quality.
“We have enjoyed one of our strongest seasons in the last several years, as consumers across the country continued to make Vidalias their first choice for sweet onions,” said Bob Stafford, Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC) executive director.
The VOC’s merchandising strategy, coupled with ongoing research on improved growing methods and varieties, has helped to drive up total sales by 8 percent over the 2018 season.
“Our merchandising and marketing programs and research have paid off for growers by increasing consumer demand, resulting in more stable wholesale prices,” Stafford said.
The VOC continues to promote research efforts at the University of Georgia Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center, which include alternate planting methods and reducing nitrogen inputs.
“We strive to ensure the quality of our Vidalia onion as well as improve efficiency of our growing practices. Our contributions toward research keep our customers happy and growers on the cutting edge of sustainable agriculture,” Stafford said, adding that the research will help the industry provide consumers with an even better tasting onion with increased shelf life.
During 2019, the VOC built on its revamped brand and marketing campaign, introducing the “The Sweet Life” theme, reflecting the unique sweetness, quality and exclusivity of Vidalia onions, which are only available from April to August each year.
With the 2020 crop in the ground, growers say the seed beds are turning out healthy plants, which in turn gives the industry a good start on the new season.
“Our focus continues to be on improving our varieties with the expectation of harvesting more onions per acre while still producing the best tasting onion available,” Stafford said. “We participate in the ‘Georgia Grown’ program, and our Vidalia onion is the official Georgia state vegetable. We plan to keep our standard high enough to continue to be known as America’s favorite onion.”
