Because Vidalia Onions are sweetly unique, farmers united to seek legal protection of their crop and its name. Federal Marketing Order No. 955 was established in 1989 to stipulate how and where the crop can be grown and sold. The Vidalia Onion Committee administers FMO No. 955 and authorizes production research, marketing research and development, and marketing promotion programs. This federal protection reinforces Georgia state laws and the Vidalia trademark. So, you can try to grow a sweet onion elsewhere, but you cannot call it a Vidalia! Vidalia Onions are the pioneer of sweet onions and Georgia's official state vegetable. Grown only in the mild climate and unique soil surrounding Vidalia, GA, they're loved by chefs and home cooks throughout the world. Vidalia Onions are hand planted and hand harvested each year, with sweet, juicy bulbs available seasonally from late April to late August. Their mild, sweet taste makes Vidalia Onions more versatile than stronger onions. And, these Georgia sweeties are a low-calorie, fat, cholesterol, and sodium-free way to get a healthy dose of Vitamin C! For more information, visit VidaliaOnion.org.
