South Texas Onions Up for Marketing Order Overhaul Hearing
Published Date: 1/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
South Texas onion growers and their supporters are invited to a hearing on February 3-4, 2026, to discuss changes that could make marketing easier and more powerful. The proposed updates include lowering voting rules, boosting advertising efforts, allowing voluntary donations, and adding a public member to the committee. These changes aim to help onions shine brighter in the market without adding extra costs right away.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier Order Continuance Vote
If you are a South Texas onion producer or handler, the proposal would lower the continuance referendum threshold from at least two‑thirds to a simple majority, measured by both number and volume. The Secretary would conduct a referendum within six years after the effective date of that change and every sixth year thereafter to decide continuance.
Spend Order Funds on Paid Advertising
The proposal would expand the Committee's authority so funds collected under the marketing order may be used for marketing promotion and paid advertising, in addition to research and development. The Committee says this expansion would broaden brand recognition and increase sales and consumer demand.
Allow Voluntary Contribution Funding
The proposal would let the Committee accept voluntary contributions to fund research and promotional activities, provided contributions are free from encumbrances or restrictions and the Committee retains control of their use. Contributions could come from within or outside the production area.
Add One Public Member to Committee
The proposal would increase the South Texas Onion Committee from 13 to 14 members by adding one public member and an alternate; the final composition would be eight producers, five handlers, and one public member. The public member and alternate must be Texas residents (they may live outside the production area) and must not have a proprietary interest in a producer or handler.
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