Georgia Court of Appeals hears case over Vidalia onion regulation

Jan 15, 2015 - 09:10
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Georgia Court of Appeals hears case over Vidalia onion regulation
Vidalia onion regulation

A bitter fight over Georgia's famed sweet onions is winding its way through the state's legal system.

The Georgia Court of Appeals on Wednesday heard arguments in a 2013 lawsuit by Glennville Vidalia onion farmer Delbert Bland. He's fighting a state regulation that prohibits Vidalia onions from being packaged for shipping before the last full week in April.

State Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black has said other farmers asked for the regulation to protect the quality of Georgia's $150 million Vidalia onion crop after consumers complained unripe onions were being sold in stores.

Bland says the commissioner overstepped his bounds. A Fulton County Superior Court judge agreed with the farmer when she struck down the rule last March. Black appealed the lower court's decision.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.