VIDALIA, GA - For nearly three decades, Bob Stafford has upheld a strong commitment to maintaining the success and vitality of the Vidalia® onion industry. In a recent announcement, the Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC) announced that the long-time manager has officially retired from his role as Executive Director as of January 1, sparking the search for a new leader to fill the role.
“I’ve worked in many areas of the Eastern part of the country, and I’ve never seen a group work as closely together as Vidalia onion farmers do,” said Stafford. “It’s just a very special, unique situation to be part of, and I’ve been so happy with the program we’ve put together.”
Stafford was brought onto the VOC as a Compliance Officer to assist in the development of a compliance plan, according to a press release, before going on to work side-by-side with VOC members for audits, along with product labeling and other rules and regulations to maintain the strength of the Vidalia onion trademark. In 2017, he was selected to manage the VOC.
“Over the course of my career working with the Committee, my fondest of times have been with the Vidalia onion growers,” added Stafford. “I joined the VOC in 1994, working under a 10-day timeframe on the compliance plan, and 29 years later, I’m finishing up with them now. I’ve been very proud to have a hand in the Vidalia onion trademark and of all the advancement we’ve made on our research and promotion to produce a quality sweet Vidalia onion that consumers seek out.”
Cliff Riner, Chairman of the VOC, shared some insight into the impacts of Stafford’s leadership.
“Bob’s dedication to the Vidalia Onion industry has been invaluable to our industry,” said Riner. “He has been a major driver for improving our market and our brand’s quality through his support of research, promotion, and unifying the industry. Bob worked behind the scenes all for the glory of the Vidalia Onion and the growers, not his own. We are extremely grateful for his service and his family’s commitment to our industry.”
Much of Stafford’s work has been in conjunction with his role as Director of the Vidalia Onion Business Council. He will remain a consultant on the Vidalia Onion Business Council until that position is filled.
Read more about Stafford’s successful career in the Vidalia onion industry here. Those interested in the Executive Director position can learn more and apply here.
And congratulations to Bob Stafford for his remarkable impact on the onion industry!
