Establishing an Onion Breeder position would ensure that Georgia’s onion growers can contribute to national onion research through the Agricultural Research Service
Vidalia onions are one of Georgia’s top vegetable industries, with around 12,000 acres planted annually
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working to strengthen Georgia’s onion industry and support farmers and growers across the state.
Sen. Ossoff called on the U.S. Senate’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies to appropriate funding to support an onion genetics and breeding expert position at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“The Vidalia onion is one of Georgia’s greatest agricultural treasures,” Sen. Ossoff wrote.“Continuing to research and develop new onion varieties will be crucial for the growth of this flagship Georgia crop.”
Since 2021, the Agricultural Research Service has not hired an in-house onion breeding expert, limiting vital research on onion breeding and genetics. Establishing a new onion breeder position would bring countless benefits to growers across Georgia and nationwide.
Georgia’s Vidalia onion growers generate more than $150 million each year, helping boost the state’s economy and delivering Georgia’s state vegetable to millions of Americans in all states.
Sen. Ossoff continues to be a champion for Georgia’s onion industry. Earlier this year, he met with onion growers and inspected production facilities to see the impact that mechanization and automation technologies have on cutting input costs for farmers.
Click here to read Sen. Ossoff’s letter to the Senate’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.
