Vidalia Onions, Vidalia Onion Farms, Vidalia Onion Recipes

Vidalia® Onion Committee Announces Award Winners

March 9, 2006. Vidalia, GA. The Vidalia®Onion Committee at its annual Growers' Celebration February 25th announced the 2005 winners for Hall of Fame and Grower of the Year.

The 2005 Grower of the Year award was presented to Larry Powell of Lyons, GA. Mr. Powell died in November 2005 after an ongoing battle with cancer. His wife Lynette received the posthumous award during the ceremony. Mr. Powell was introduced to farming by his father. He established McNair and Powell Farms, Inc., with partner Jack McNair, with whom he worked for more than 25 years. Powell earned a reputation as an honest, hard-working farmer and businessman. His passion for growing Vidalia® Onions and his knowledge of the Vidalia® industry earned him the respect of his fellow growers.

Receiving the 2005 Hall of Fame honor was Mr. Raymond Bland of Tattnall County. Mr. Bland, who started farming at the age of 14, is a true pioneer of the Vidalia®Onion industry. He and his wife Rubye Jean had a small farm in the Reidsville area. Then, in 1982, Bland planted his first five acres of Vidalias®. The trial crop was a flop and resulted in hot onions and a monetary loss! But, determined to prove he could be a successful onion farmer, Bland doubled his acreage the next year and wound up with a big hit. Now, Bland Farms - run by son Delbert - has over 1800 acres of Vidalias® each year.

The Grower of the Year award recognizes overall achievement and success as a Vidalia® Onion producer with an emphasis on quality production and compliance with the Marketing Order.

  1. 1. Is a registered Vidalia® Onion grower
  2. Is not a current member of the Committee
  3. Has submitted reports and payments in a timely manner
  4. Has had no or few complaints to the Committee Office
  5. Conforms to the standards set forth in the Order
  6. Enhances & supports brand recognition

The Vidalia® Onion Hall of Fame award honors a person who has significantly and positively impacted the Vidalia® Onion industry.

  1. Protecting & promoting the Vidalia® Onion name
  2. Protecting & promoting the quality of the Vidalia® Onion
  3. Advertising & promotion of the Vidalia® Onion
  4. Creative selling methods for Vidalia® Onions
  5. Research & growth development of the Vidalia® Onion
  6. Demonstrated dedication to the success of the Vidalia® brand and the industry as a whole