The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making changes to the South Texas Onion Committee's membership structure in order to address an imbalance in representation between producers and handlers due to a significant decrease in numbers in both groups. The changes will consolidate geographic districts from two to one and reapportion committee membership. The final rule, published in the Federal Register on August 2, 2024, will take effect on September 3, 2024. The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees marketing orders and agreements for fruit, vegetable, and specialty crops, ensuring fiscal accountability and program integrity.