Onions Grown in South Texas; Revision of Rules and Regulations

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, with a minor change, an interim final rule that eliminated all container requirements from the handling regulations prescribed under the South Texas onion marketing order (order) and made several conforming and formatting changes. The order regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas and is administered locally by the South Texas Onion Committee (Committee). This rule continues in effect the elimination of all container requirements from the handling regulations and several conforming changes. This action continues to provide the industry expanded flexibility to use any and all types and sizes of containers, or to ship onions in bulk. It also is expected to continue helping handlers compete more effectively in the marketplace, better meet buyers' needs, and help improve producer returns during the 2003 and future seasons.