History
In 1986 a handful of Medjool date growers came together to form BVMDGA. Their goal was to establish quality standards for their fruit that would ensure a consistently excellent product for their customers. Over two decades later the association is stronger than ever. The stringent standards for quality have paid off earning Bard Valley Medjools a well deserved reputation for excellence for their flavor, texture and size. BVMDGA members produce 70% of all Medjools in California. A fancy fruit by ANY standards, Medjool dates bring out the gourmet in everyone.
Passion for Medjools
- The Bard Valley Date Growers Association is comprised of family owned, operated Date Gardens that focus strictly on growing "The Fruit of Kings". Medjool dates.
- Due to unique micro-climate in the Bard Valley (located between Phoenix and San Diego) only "The World's Finest" Medjools carry the label of Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers Association.
- Warmed by the ever present sun, nourished by the high water table and adjacency to the Colorado river, there is no better place in the world to grow this timeless delicacy.
- No pesticides or preservatives are used in their growing process!
The Amazing Rescue of the Medjool Date Variety
- In 1927, Dr. Walter Swingle, employed by Bureau of Plant Industry, traveled to Morocco on invitation from the French government. His task was to "save" the expiring Medjool date variety from extinction. A rare disease called Baioudh was decimating their crop. Mr. Swingle extracted what he considered to be 11 offshoots from relatively healthy remaining trees, and brought them back to Southern Nevada for transplanting.
- Amazingly 9 of the 11 offshoots survived the transplanting, and a full seven years later (1934) they were moved to the Coachella Valley in Southern California.
- In 1944, date growing pioneer Stanley Dillman took 24 offshoots from the original 9 surviving Medjool trees and planted them in the Bard Valley.
- Here you see 6 of the original 24 plantings in Bard Valley. Even today, 65 years later, each one of these trees produces an annual yield of over 200 pounds of these incredibly delicious treats.
