It’s time for Walla Walla and Vidalia onion growers to vote.
Back in mid-December 2025, USDA announced that it would be conducting referenda votes among eligible Vidalia onion producers in Georgia and eligible Walla Walla sweet onion producers in the Pacific Northwest. The referenda ask both groups about their support for their respective federal marketing orders. Such votes must be conducted every six years according to the orders.
The referenda votes for both groups starts today, Jan. 12. For Walla Walla growers, it ends Jan. 30 and for Vidalia growers it ends Feb. 3.
Eligible growers should have already received their ballots and voting instructions in the mail last year. If you are or think you are an eligible grower and have not received a ballot, contact the following Agricultural Marketing Service personnel:
- For Walla Walla Sweet Onions: Kelsey Dugan at Kelsey.Dugan@usda.gov or (503) 351-2108
- For Vidalia onions: Delaney Fuhrmeister at Delaney.Fuhrmeister@usda.gov or (863) 307-3289
What’s at stake
Shane Curry, executive director of the Vidalia Onion Committee told The Packer that the Vidalia onion federal marketing order protects and supports the Vidalia onion industry by establishing clear rules for how Vidalia onions are defined, marketed and promoted, as well as collecting assessments for the purpose.
“The order legally defines the specific region in Georgia where onions must be grown to be sold as ‘Vidalia onions,’ helping prevent non-Vidalia onions from being labeled as Vidalia onions,” he says. “Without the federal marketing order, Vidalia onions would lose an important layer of protection. This would allow onions grown outside the designated region to use the Vidalia name, opening the door to misuse of the brand.”
Kim Brunson, Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee manager, had much the same to say about the Walla Walla federal marketing order. She explains Walla Walla Sweet Onions are defined by their geographic origin, the Walla Walla Valley of southeast Washington and northeast Oregon, which “contributes to their signature low pungency and large size.”
“The marketing order plays a critical role in protecting that geographic identity and supporting consistent quality so authentic Walla Walla Sweet Onions can reach the fresh market each year,” she says.
Brunson says the results of the votes are expected later on in the season or in early spring.
