Onion Growers Aren’t Crying Over This Decision

The often-fractious Walla Walla sweet onion industry has united behind a single logo guaranteeing consumers that the produce is genuinely from the Walla Walla Valley.

The newly formed Sweet Onion Marketing Committee has voted to use the label developed by the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Commission, which is ceasing operations.

The “Genuine Walla Walla Sweet Onions” label had been one of three logos used by growers and packers within a federal marketing area comprising the Walla Walla Valley. Other labels proclaimed the onions were “authentic” or “original.”

The marketing committee had considered creating an entirely new logo to replace all three. But committee members decided last week that the “genuine” label is the best-known of the logos and will eliminate consumer confusion if adopted universally, committee chairman Craig Christensen said.

Growers and packers who have their own logos can continue to use them, along with the new one, said Mary Clayton, the marketing committee’s manager.