USDA to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to South Texas Onions Marketing Order

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the federal marketing order for South Texas onions Feb. 3-4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST at the Mission Event Center in Mission, Texas.

The committee recommended four proposals for consideration:

• Proposal 1: Lower the continuance referenda threshold from at least two-thirds to a simple majority.
• Proposal 2: Expand research and promotion authority to include market promotion and paid advertising.
• Proposal 3: Add authority to accept voluntary contributions.
• Proposal 4: Increase the committee size by one seat to include a public member.

The hearing will continue, if necessary, until all amendments have been addressed. USDA will conduct a producer referendum if the hearing record favors the proposed amendments.

The hearing will provide all interested people with an opportunity to speak in support of or in opposition to the proposals and for USDA to receive such evidence on the record. Interested people may also file briefs after the hearing and file exceptions to any recommended decision that may be issued.

All attendees are required to make a notice of appearance on the record. All people wishing to submit written material as evidence at the hearing should be prepared to submit multiples copies of such material during the hearing.

The Notice of Hearing was published in the Federal Register on Jan. 23, 2026. Copies of the Federal Register notice may be requested from USDA Marketing Specialist Christy Pankey at [email protected] or USDA Branch Chief Matthew Pavone at [email protected] or (202) 720-8085.

The South Texas Onion Committee administers the marketing order which authorizes quality regulations, markings, pack, and container requirements, and research and promotion programs for onions grown in South Texas. More information about the Committee is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) South Texas Onions page.

Authorized by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended, marketing orders are industry-driven programs that help producers and handlers achieve marketing success by leveraging their own funds to design and execute programs that they would not be able to do individually. AMS provides oversight to fruit, vegetable, and specialty crops marketing orders to ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.