Vidalia Onions Grown in Georgia; Changing the Term of Office and Nomination Deadlines

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule changing the term of office for the Vidalia Onion Committee (Committee), and the time for conducting and submitting Committee nominations under the Vidalia onion marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of Vidalia onions grown in Georgia and is administered locally by the Committee. This rule continues in effect the change in the term of office from a 24-month period beginning September 16 and ending September 15, to a 24-month period beginning January 1 and ending December 31. It also continues in effect the change in the month for conducting and submitting Committee producer nominations from August to October of each year, and for the public member and alternate member from November 1 to February 15. These changes are expected to improve Committee and program operations.