ABOUT THE
Vidalia Onion
Committee
In the mid-1980’s Georgia farmers knew they were on to something special with the sweet flavor profile of the Vidalia onion.
Georgia’s
Official State Vegetable
A group of these growers joined together to form The Vidalia Onion Committee to protect and manage the quality of the crop.
The VOC was instrumental in getting the Federal Marketing Order passed and establishing the Vidalia onion as Georgia’s Official State Vegetable. The committee is made up of esteemed community leaders who are dedicated to protecting and growing the Vidalia onion brand.
Contact
The Committee
Committee
MEMBERS
Bob Stafford
Manager
Aries Haygood
Chairman
Cliff Riner
Vice-Chairman
Troy Bland
Broc Davis
Bret Caudell
Rusty McLain
Jeff Bailey
David Jarriel
Jerome Parker
Brett McClain
Kevin Hendrix
Jamie Beasley
Ty Powell
Brett Williams
Charlie Robison
Myrtle Jones
Annual
Awards
Hall of Fame
Award
In 1991, the Vidalia Onion Committee began to annually honor one individual with induction into the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame.
The Committee considers the recipient’s character, reputation and overall contribution to the growth and success of the Vidalia onion.
Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame Inductees must be a leader in one or more of the following areas:
- Protecting and promoting the name of the Vidalia onion
- Advertising and promotion of the Vidalia onion
- Creative sales methods for Vidalia onions
- Research and growth development of the Vidalia onion.
- Demonstrating dedication to the success of the Vidalia brand and the industry as a whole.
R.E. Hendrix
2019
Roy Kriezenbeck
2018
R.T. Stanley, Jr.
2017
Dr. Ron Gitaitis
2016
Dean Scott Angle
2015
Jack Hill
2014
Gerald Dasher
2013
B.D. “Buck” Shuman
2012
L.G. “Bo” Herndon, Jr.
2011
Delwin Dowdy
2010
Bob Stafford
2009
David & Danny New
2009
Mose Coleman
2008
Doyle Smittle
2008
Earlie Jordan
2008
R.T. Stanley, Sr.
2007
Bill Brown
2006
Raymond Bland
2005
Bob Redding
2004
Ben Jack McDilda
2003
Bobby Harris
2002
Gale Buchanan
2001
Reid Torrance
2000
W.J. Grimes
1999
Fisher Barfoot
1998
Janice Grimes
1997
Jim Hilderbrandt
1996
Jim Bridges
1995
Lindsey Thomas
1994
Maxwell Smith
1993
Charles McRae
1992
Tommy Irvin
1991
Gerald Achenbach
1990
Grower of the Year
Award
The Vidalia® Onion Committee also awards an annual “Grower of the Year” award.
The Grower of the Year Award is to recognize overall achievement/success as a producer of Vidalia onions. The emphasis of this award is on quality, production, and ability to work within the confines of the Marketing Order.
Requirements include:
- Is a registered Vidalia onion grower
- Has submitted reports and payments to the Committee in a timely manner
- Has had no or few consumer complaints to the Committee Office
- Conforms to the standards set forth in Federal Marketing Order #955
- Enhances and supports the brand recognition of Vidalia onions
Sikes Farms
2019
McLain Farms
2018
Omar Cruz
2017
Aries Haygood
2016
Jason Herndon
2015
McLain Farms
2014
Dry Branch Farms
2013
Ray Farms
2012
Alan Sikes
2011
Delbert Bland
2010
Terry Gerald
2009
L.G. “Bo” Herndon, Jr.
2008
R.T. Stanley
2007
Wayne Douberly
2006
Larry Powell
2005
G&R Farms
2004
James McLain
2003
Terry Collins
2002
J.W. Beasley
2001
Edgar Wright
2000
Jim Cowart
1999
W.J. Grimes
1998
Delwin Dowdy
1997
R.L. Cato
1996
R.E. Hendrix
1995
Mike McKinley
1994
Raymond Bland
1993
Adger Kicklighter
1992
Wade Usher
1991
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