Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to receive evidence on proposed amendments to Marketing Order No. 959 (Order) that regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas. Four amendments are proposed by the South Texas Onion Committee (Committee), which is responsible for local administration of the Order. These proposed amendments would lower the threshold for continuance referenda; expand research and promotion authority to include marketing promotion and paid advertising; add authority to accept voluntary contributions; and increase committee size by one seat to include a public member.
In addition, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) also proposes to make additional changes to the Order as may be necessary to conform to any amendatory changes that result from the hearing.
The Committee believes the proposed amendments are needed to match today’s market environment and better reflect current industry composition and will provide the Committee with the tools and resources needed to promote South Texas onions, increase demand, and improve returns to producers.
The hearing will be held in person. Interested persons are invited to testify. Limited virtual testimony is permitted. Interested persons must submit a written request to participate virtually to Christian.Nissen@usda.gov at least three days prior to the beginning of the hearing.
Additional information regarding the proposed amendments, as well as hearing requirements, may be found in the Notice of Hearing.
Hearing Information
Hearings are open to the public and begin at 9:00 a.m. and concluded by 5:00 p.m. (local time), or other times as determined by the presiding administrative law judge.
February 3-4, 2026 - Mission, Texas
Mission Event Center
200 N. Shary Rd.,
Mission, TX 78572