ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — As Vidalia onion season gets underway, one south Georgia crop offers a window into the supply chain that moves Georgia-grown food from farms to metro Atlanta produce aisles and why those partnerships matter for rural jobs and family farms.

Vidalia onions are grown in a 20-county region of south Georgia, where growers say the crop’s taste is tied to the place it comes from.

“A flavor you can’t get from any other onion anywhere in the world,” said John Shuman, president and CEO of Shuman Farms.

Shuman said harvest is not the end of the job, but the start of the logistics required to move a crop quickly and safely to customers across the Southeast.

“That economic trickle-down effect is very important to our rural communities,” Shuman said, describing the ripple from farms to packing facilities, trucking and other businesses.

UGA’s Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development (CAED) has reported Georgia agriculture and agribusiness’ economic impact at about $91.4 billion annually.

At the store level, shoppers often see only the final step — the produce wall — but some say the Georgia-grown label changes how they think about what they buy.

“It feels good. It’s supporting your fellow citizen. You’re helping families, and I like that,” said Jordan Schultz, a Publix shopper.

Publix said it works with about 25 to 30 Georgia growers statewide throughout the year, and that its supply chain is built around moving produce quickly to keep it fresh.

“Our goal is the freshest product in the shortest amount of time,” said Nicole Krauss with Publix Media Relations.

Shuman said steady retail partnerships can give growers more predictability in a business where weather and rising costs can quickly change a season’s outcome.

“Partnerships like this are about more than just selling produce. It’s Publix supporting Georgia farmers,” Shuman said.

Georgia’s harvest season continues in the coming weeks, with peaches, sweet corn and boiled peanuts among the Georgia-grown products expected to arrive in stores.

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