A week-long celebration in Weslaco highlights the significance of TX1015 sweet onions, bringing together growers, residents, and local businesses to promote Texas agriculture.
The Texas onion industry celebrated a significant milestone on October 15th with the “TX1015 Sweet Onion Day” declaration, honoring the optimal planting date for the popular TX1015 sweet onions. This initiative, rooted in agricultural research by Dr. Leonard Pike and Paul Leeper from Texas A&M University, emphasizes the value of the state’s first domestically grown sweet onion of the year.
In a collaborative effort, officials from Weslaco and representatives from the South Texas Onion Committee (STOC) gathered for a proclamation ceremony marking this notable occasion. They aim to raise awareness about the contribution of the TX1015 onion to Texas agriculture, a sector deeply embedded in the state’s economy and culture.
Throughout the week-long celebration, various stakeholders from the onion industry, including growers, shippers, and packers, joined in highlighting the significance of this event. To engage the community, promotional activities included a drawing contest, an educational poster, and the unveiling of the TX1015 Sweet Onion Day sign.
According to a statement by Dante Galeazzi, President of the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), the event serves as an opportunity to educate consumers across Texas about the versatility and flavor of the TX1015 onion.
“With over 30 million Texans, now is the perfect time to educate consumers about the TX1015 Sweet Onion. With the ‘TX1015 Sweet Onion Day’ proclamation by the City of Weslaco, we’re shining a spotlight on TX1015 sweet onions. As the first domestically grown sweet onion of the year, the TX1015 deserves to be celebrated for its unique history, incredible flavor, and versatility.”
Galeazzi also emphasized that the celebration underscores the importance of local agriculture and the industry’s efforts to connect consumers with Texas-grown produce.
The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center partnered with STOC and TIPA to amplify the celebration, highlighting the onion’s cultural relevance to the local community. Barbara Jean Garcia, President and CEO of the Weslaco Chamber, shared, “The TX1015 Sweet Onion is a staple within our community. From the Onion Fest to the Onion Run, this proclamation is another event to bring people from all walks of life together.” Garcia further noted that the celebration encourages residents to support local farmers and businesses, reinforcing ties within the community.
This year’s TX1015 onion crop is currently being planted throughout the Rio Grande Valley. If weather conditions remain favorable, the first harvest is expected to hit store shelves by March, offering consumers a fresh taste of Texas agriculture.
The TX1015 Sweet Onion Day aligns with ongoing efforts by the Texas International Produce Association to advocate for and promote the state’s produce industry. TIPA, founded in 1942, represents more than 400 companies involved in the distribution and promotion of fresh produce. As the association noted, Texas serves as a key gateway for domestic produce, contributing to an industry valued at over $13 billion annually.
For more information about the celebration and upcoming events, consumers are encouraged to visit the TX1015 social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. A toolkit for TX1015 Sweet Onion Day is also available for those interested in promoting the event.
This annual recognition not only highlights the unique qualities of the TX1015 onion but also strengthens the connection between agriculture and the community, fostering appreciation for the rich agricultural heritage of Texas.
