As the USDA readies another referendum on the future of South Texas onion marketing order, the South Texas Onion Committee has said it is currently seeking producer and handler nominees for Districts 1 (Coastal Bend + Rio Grande Valley) & District 2 (Uvalde-Wintergarden region).
“The STOC plays an important role in ensuring producers and handlers get the best price for their products,” committee manager Dante Galeazzi said in a news release. “We are always looking for new industry members to sit on the committee, keeping the energy-level high and bringing new ideas.” said. The Committee strongly encourages the industry to consider candidates of all ages and genders to participate.”
Steve Cargil, an onion grower and current chairman of the South Texas Onion Committee also noted a need for industry participation. “I would like to encourage the Texas onion industry to get involved,” he said in the release. Texas onions are inspected for consistent grade and size standards, and the committee ensures the best Texas onions are sent to market, he said in the release “If you have ideas on how you think Texas onion marketing should be shaped, being a part of this committee is crucial.”
The STOC has scheduled a nomination meeting for District 2 on Wednesday, May 25 and for District 1 on Wednesday, June 1, the release said, with the Texas onion industry invited to attend.
For those interested in participating or with questions about eligibility requirements for serving on the committee, please contact Lilly Garcia or Petey Garza at (956) 584-9331 or stoc@texipa.org for more information and details, the release said.
Re-vote
Earlier in May, the USDA has announced that it will conduct another referendum among South Texas onion producers to determine their level of support for continuing their federal marketing order.
Results of a referendum USDA conducted with producers in 2020 failed to reach the level of support among voting producers for continuing the marketing order. However, feedback received during the public comment period of the proposed termination of the program demonstrated support for keeping the order. To assess the true level of producer support for the program, the Secretary of Agriculture has determined that a second referendum is appropriate, the USDA said.
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