GLENNVILLE, GA – The 2018 Vidalia Onion Committee awards banquet was a joyous one, and for Bland Farms’ Omar Cruz, full of unexpected surprises. On February 10^th, Cruz was named “Grower of the Year,” taking home top honors at this year’s banquet.

“I was not expecting it,” Cruz said in a press release, after recieving the honor. “I appreciate what the committee did—I put my heart into these crops. I love the Bland family and each of these growers because they have all touched my life.”

After earning his degree in agronomy from the University of Havana in La Habana, Cuba, Cruz joined Bland Farms in 2005 and has been farming there ever since. Over the years, Omar has hosted numerous onion trials that have yielded valuable information benefitting the Vidalia industry. This information has been shared with various Vidalia Onion growers in the surrounding counties, which the Vidalia Onion Committee recognized at the banquet.

“Omar Cruz has been a god-send in the industry, and everyone calls him for advice to share his knowledge. We are very happy with him,” Bob Stafford, Interim Executive Director of the Committee and Director of the Vidalia Onion Business Council, said.

With the annual “Grower of the Year” award, the Vidalia Onion Committee recognizes farms and growers for their overall achievement and success as a producer of Vidalia Onions. A particular emphasis is placed on quality production and compliance with the Marketing Order, in addition to meeting specific requirements.

Aries Haygood, last year’s recipient of “Grower of the Year” noted, “Omar really cares about this crop and he is a huge advocate for Vidalia Onions and this industry. I couldn’t be more pleased and excited to see him receive this award.”

Congratulations, Omar Cruz! For more information on Bland Farms and its products, visit www.blandfarms.com. For more of the latest produce industry achievements, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.

Bland Farms