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Charlotte, Nashville and Orlando, FL, and ship product within two days to Maine, Minneapolis-St. Paul and West Texas. “Being so close to the markets on the East Coast is what helps us sell it,” says Genuine Geor- gia’s McGehee. “It’s one thing to be able to grow produce with great flavor. That’s where we hang our hat, as our soil and climate give us the best flavor. You also have to be able to deliver that flavor. The fact we are close allows us to focus on that flavor. We don’t have to worry about five-six-seven-day truck rides. We are a two- to three- day drive for everyone who lives on this half of the country.”
Sweet corn is one of the state’s major vegetables. “Georgia is a huge transitional state for sweet corn from Florida, and is also returning in the fall from northern states,” says SM Jones’ Wanless. “The climate lends itself to seamless supplies under normal weather circumstances.
Once Florida finishes, the Midwest is not generally ready for corn, so Georgia is the go-to state for Southeastern and North- eastern retailers.”
As the state’s signature vegetable, Vidalia onions are a big part of Georgia’s vege- table shipments. “The Vidalia onion is one of many fruits and vegetables that makes up Georgia’s agricultural landscape,” says Shuman Farms’ Shuman. “Many of the items grown in Georgia, like the Vidalia onion, are special and unique. When customers see the Georgia Grown logo, it lets them know their produce is going to be delicious and peak of the season.”
Georgia’s image is solid. “Georgia Grown has been a very good promotional brand for our growers as well as for our national marketing partners,” says Hall. “We hope we bring an image of good quality products that are nutritious and fairly local grown.”
Georgia’s reputatπion in produce remains stellar. “Georgia Grown has kept building on its momentum,” says Bland. “It’s never been to a point where it’s considered anything but good, local produce. It keeps building on that. Quality is always excellent because of it being fresh. People will naturally do a good job if it’s their livelihood. The more volume we do, the more attention we get. What has made it continually expand in the eyes of the world is the availability and consistency. Everything in general points to Georgia having a more enhanced reputation for vegetables in the South.” pb
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