Georgia Court Tells Vidalia Onion Growers When They Can Pick Their Crop
July 7, 2015 Georgia growers have been told to hold the onions – literally. According to an article on www.13wmaz.com, a Georgia news station, the state appeals court has said the state has the power to tell Georgia’s Vidalia onion farmers “not to pick their crop too soon.”
In 2014, Tattnall County grower Troy Bland sued Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black. Bland’s argument was that Black overstepped his authority by making Vidalia onion growers hold off on shipping until April 21.
On July 2, the article states that a three-judge panel overturned a lower court ruling in Bland’s favor. According to the judges, evidence presented by Black’s office showed “that the packing date rule is reasonable in light of the testimony and letters received by the Commissioner concerning the declining quality of the Vidalia onion and the threat to the industry.”
According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Vidalia onions are unique to Georgia and grown on about 11,000 acres in 20 counties. Last year’s crop totaled 258 million pounds worth more than $108 million.
Click here to read the full article.
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