Start date set for Vidalia onion packing

The start of Vidalia onion season is almost here.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and the Vidalia Onion Committee have revealed April 17 as the official pack date this season.

“In coordination with the Vidalia Onion Committee, I am incredibly excited to announce April 17, 2024, as the official pack date of the 2024 Vidalia onion season,” Harper said in a news release. “Georgia Grown, Vidalia onions are recognized around the globe for their iconic, sweet flavor that is treasured by culinary leaders and home chefs alike. This is an exciting time for Georgia farmers and consumers alike as we look forward to enjoying the sweet onion again!”

Vidalia onions are available for a limited time each year between April through early September. The pack date is determined by soil and weather conditions during the growing season, contributing to high-quality Vidalia onions, the release said. The Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel voted to recommend April 17 to Harper, the release said.

Because of the unique weather, water and soil combination in 20 south Georgia counties, Vidalia onions cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world, according to the release.

“For the 2024 season, we have 11,000 acres of Vidalia onions planted in the production area,” Vidalia Onion Committee Chairman Cliff Riner said in the release. “Over the past few years, sweet onion sales have continued to increase, with Vidalia onions being a big part of the market. We're looking forward to another great season this year.”

For over 80 years, Vidalia onions have been hand-planted, harvested and cured by growers, the release said.

The Vidalia Onion Act of 1986 established their growing region in south Georgia and trademarked the “Vidalia onion” name. Vidalia onions are grown from a distinctive granex seed, then packed and sold on or after the official pack date annually.