The Vidalia Onion Committee inducted Delbert Bland, founder of Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms, into the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame.
Established in 1991, the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the growth and success of the Vidalia onion, according to a news release. Bland was selected for this honor based on his commitment to promoting and protecting the Vidalia onion brand, the release said.
“Delbert Bland has been a pioneer and advocate for the Vidalia Onion,” Troy Bland, CEO of Bland Farms and son of Delbert Bland, said in the release. “His father, Raymond Bland, started a small 50-acre farm over 75 years ago. In 1974, when my dad graduated from high school, they formed the company — Bland Farms. My dad planted the first 5 acres of Vidalia onions in 1982 and has since transformed Bland Farms into a household name known for quality Vidalia Onions.”
Delbert Bland’s contributions to the Vidalia onion industry are numerous, including his role in establishing a federal marketing order and legislation for the Vidalia onion district, the release said. He was also the first to introduce Vidalia onions in a 40-pound bag and pioneered a successful mail-order business that helped popularize Vidalia onions across the country, according to the release.
In his acceptance speech, Delbert Bland expressed gratitude to his family.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how many onions you sell or how much land you own ... it’s who you love and who loves you. I am blessed by the ones that love me,” he said.
His wife, Sandra Bland, acknowledged the impact the Vidalia onion industry has on her life, calling it “one of life’s greatest blessings,” the release said.
Vidalia Onion Committee Chairman Cliff Riner praised Bland’s induction.
“There is no higher honor we can bestow on an individual than inducting someone into the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame,” he said in the release.
