The much anticipated Vidalia onion season will begin next month and growers are preparing for the start of the season. Traditionally, the Georgia Department of Agriculture sets the official start date, and this year, growers had to wait until almost the last minute to receive the final word.
"The Department have announced the official date of April 20 at 8:00am," said Kevin Hendrix of Hendrix Produce in Metter, Georgia. "A date of April 23 had earlier been slated, however they sometimes move it depending on season conditions and other factors. This year, we had to wait a long time for them to make the official announcement. It's great that we finally have a date, but either way it doesn't really matter. We are now preparing and will be ready for the first shipments on April 20."
Positive outlook
On the growing front, growers are happy with the crop so far. Cold weather earlier in the year did result in some frost in the fields, however it has not caused any damage. Warmer weather in February helped the crop and everything appears to be on track for a steady beginning. Hendrix Produce has 850 acres to grow their Vidalia onions and will be hoping to ship out the variety for several months.
"Right now, the onions are looking really good," Hendrix said. "We had some frost back in January but this did not affect the crop and quality is looking excellent. Additionally, there is a lack of disease pressure this year. It has been a little cooler in the last week or so but everything is on schedule. At this stage, it's a little early to predict volumes but we're looking good to ship fresh throughout April and May, and then pack out of storage through the summer months."
For more information:
Kevin Hendrix
Hendrix Produce
Tel: +1 (912) 685-3220
