Vidalia Onions Lawsuit Heads Back To Court

A dispute between Vidalia onion growers and the state Department of Agriculture is heading back to court this week.

The state is challenging a ruling striking down restrictions on when farmers can pack and ship the onions.

A Fulton County judge sided with Vidalia grower Delbert Bland last year. Bland took state Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black to court after Black threatened heavy fines for growers who harvest the onions ahead of the state's official pack date.

Michael Bowers is the lawyer representing Bland in the case. He says there is a lot at stake, whichever way the court rules. He notes that when the onions are shipped or not, a great deal of money is at stake.

The Georgia Court of Appeals will hear the case on Wednesday. A spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Agriculture declined to comment while the case is pending.

Tags: vidalia onions, agriculture commissionar gary black, fulton county judge, Delbert Bland