The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Vidalia Onion Committee have announced April 12 as the official pack date for the 2022 Vidalia onion season.
“Each year, I, along with the Vidalia Onion Committee, look forward to sharing when Vidalia onions will be on their way to stores, so I’m pleased to announce April 12th as the official pack date this season,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black.
“Cultivated for more than 80 years, Vidalia onions mean a great deal to the state of Georgia, earning a renowned reputation for their sweet distinct flavor and versatility beloved by chefs and home cooks alike.”
The pack date is determined by growing season soil and weather conditions to ensure the highest quality. The Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel voted April 12 as the 2022 pack date. The pack date rings in the start of the onion season, where shoppers can get their hands on the seasonal onion between April to August.
“In the 2022 season, approximately 10,000 acres of Vidalia onions were planted by 60 registered farmers across 20 southeastern Georgia counties,” said Cliff Riner, VOC chairman. “Representing about 40 percent of the sweet onion market across America, Vidalia onions are sold in all 50 states and most of Canada.”
Originally discovered by accident in the 1930s during the Great Depression, these onions have grown to be considered as a favorite across America. The Vidalia Onion Act of 1986 granted the trademark of the name “Vidalia onions” and defined the growing region in South Georgia. These onions are grown from a distinctive Granex seed, then packed and sold on or after the official pack date annually.
More information about the produce can be found at vidaliaonion.org.
For more information, visit agr.georgia.gov.
For more news on Vidalia onions from The Shelby Report, click here.
