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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20792, Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Order Amending Marketing Order No. 989
California raisin producers just voted to shake things up! The USDA is cutting the Raisin Committee from 47 to 21 members, changing how reps are chosen, and tweaking rules about raisin quality and marketing. These changes kick in on November 9, 2026, aiming to make raisin handling smoother and more modern without extra costs.
2026-20622, Almonds Grown in California; Amendment to the Marketing Order
California almond growers and handlers are getting a new power to borrow money from banks to help run their marketing order smoothly. This change aims to keep things running without hiccups and will be voted on between November 2 and 20, 2026. If approved, it could make managing almond marketing more flexible and financially stable.
2026-20095, United States Grain Standards Act Award of Designations
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service just gave official thumbs-up to seven grain inspection groups across the U.S. These groups will keep making sure grain quality meets standards in their areas starting now, helping farmers and buyers trust their grain’s grade. If you’re in North Dakota, Omaha, Fremont, Champaign, Maryland, Enid, or Eastern Iowa, this news means smooth grain inspections ahead with no extra costs announced.
2026-19887, Almonds Grown in California; Extension of Inedible Disposition Obligation Deadline
California almond growers and handlers now have two extra months to handle inedible almonds, extending the deadline from September 30 to November 30 every year. This change helps them manage almond quality and market supply better without rushing. The new rule kicks in on October 29, 2026, giving the industry more flexibility and smoother operations.
2026-19623, National Organic Program: Notice of Intent To Extend and Revise a Previously Approved Information Collection (2027)
The USDA’s National Organic Program is planning to extend and update its paperwork rules for organic farmers and businesses through 2030. This means folks involved in organic farming will see some changes in how they report info, helping keep organic standards strong and clear. Comments on these updates are open until November 24, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-19420, Fruit Crops; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep collecting info about fruit crops and make some updates to how they do it. This affects fruit growers and businesses involved in federal marketing orders. They’re asking for your thoughts by November 23, 2026, and this helps keep fruit marketing smooth without extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01324, Air Plan Approval; Montana; Revisions to Western Sugar Stipulation
The EPA wants to update Montana’s air plan to tighten sulfur dioxide pollution rules for the Western Sugar plant in Billings. This means cleaner air and clearer limits for the company to follow. If you have thoughts, speak up by February 23, 2026—this change helps protect health without extra costs.
Next: 2026-01370, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Boeing 767-300 planes to catch and fix cracks in the lower wing skin. This update adds more planes to the list, especially those with special winglets removed, and requires extra inspections to keep flights safe. Owners should act before March 12, 2026, to avoid costly repairs and keep their planes flying smoothly.