New Membership Structure Aims for Equitable Representation and Industry Alignment
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced significant changes to the South Texas Onion Committee’s membership structure. The USDA’s final rule, effective September 3, 2024, consolidates the geographic districts under the marketing order from two to one and reapportions committee membership among producers and handlers.
This adjustment addresses the substantial decline in the number of onion producers and handlers in South Texas, which has resulted in an imbalance in committee representation between the two districts. By consolidating these districts and redistributing membership, the committee aims to better reflect the current state of the industry, provide equitable representation, and create more opportunities for producers and handlers to serve on the committee.
The final rule, published in the Federal Register on August 2, 2024, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the governance of the South Texas Onion Committee. More information about the marketing order regulating the handling of South Texas Onions can be found on the 959 South Texas Onions page on the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) website or by contacting the Market Development Division at (202) 720-8085.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 authorizes marketing orders, which are industry-driven programs designed to help producers and handlers achieve marketing success. These programs leverage collective funds to create and implement initiatives that individual members would be unable to undertake alone. AMS oversees these orders to ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.
