A March 31 fire at San Juan, Texas-based Rio Fresh Inc. has significantly damaged a large portion of the company’s fresh onion packing facility, according to a news release from the Texas International Produce Association.
Rio Fresh Inc. is a third-generation, family farming operation in South Texas. The company grows, packs, and ships a large variety of Texas commodities including Texas 1015 sweet onions, cabbage, kale, greens, and melons.
In the release, the Texas International Produce Association relayed a statement from the Rio Fresh family about the fire:
“Last night a massive fire overtook our onion packing facility. Our family and team are devastated over our loss, but we remain thankful. Our employees and family were able to evacuate the facility, and everyone made it out safely. We thank God for this tremendous blessing. First responders came from across the valley showed up to help contain a fire that seemed to know no end. Thank you to these brave men and women who put their life on the line to do this critical work. We are especially grateful to our employees who showed up to help and support us. They stood by our side and worked tirelessly to help us salvage anything possible to minimize the damage. We would be nowhere without these faithful teammates, and we humbly thank them. Farming families are accustomed to storms and trials. At this time, our team is working with the community to identify continuation plans as we are still mid-season with a bountiful crop before us. We continually count our blessings and look forward to brighter days and better seasons. Trusting God, we will put one foot in front of the other to rebuild our business - always remembering how much we have to be thankful for.” Please pray for our family and employees. God is good. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8”
