The National Onion Association’s 2026 Summer/Regional Convention & Auction “isn’t just another meeting,” according to the organization.
The event, set for July 8-11 in New York, will offer growers, shippers, packers and food safety personnel an opportunity to participate in the process of updating NOA’s food safety guidelines, which were last updated in 2022.
That opportunity will take place during an all-day conversation July 8, before the convention’s opening reception.
Another highlight will be keynote speaker John Hollay, president of the National Council of Agricultural Employers, who will address attendees July 10.
Hollay previously served as director of U.S. government relations for the International Fresh Produce Association and held a similar role with the United Fresh Produce Association.
A two-hour roundtable discussion of the H-2A labor program with Brian Pasternak, director of policy regulations and program planning for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification, is scheduled for July 10.
Potential topics include:
- H-2A wage policies and cost pressures for growers.
- Housing, transportation and daily meal requirements.
- Application timelines, processing delays and agency coordination.
- Workforce reliability and the risks tied to late arrivals.
- Ongoing policy discussions on program expansion, caps and year-round labor.
Other convention activities include a tour of onion houses at the Hunts Point Terminal Market and a Q&A session with market management. Committee meetings, a banquet dinner and live auction also are on the agenda.
Several major events are planned in New York City during the July 8-11 time frame celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Highlights include historic ship sailings in New York Harbor and major concerts, such as Bon Jovi and Lionel Richie at Madison Square Garden.
The convention will be held at the Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton.
To register or obtain more information, visit the convention web page.
