Onions Grown in South Texas; Exemption of Onions for Export

This rule exempts onions being shipped to export markets from regulations prescribed under the South Texas onion marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas, and is administered locally by the South Texas Onion Committee (Committee). This rule provides a special purpose shipment exemption for onions being shipped to export markets. Under this change, onion shipments for export will be exempt from the grade, size, quality, and inspection requirements of the marketing order. This rule will provide handlers additional flexibility in marketing onions of different grades and quality in various markets outside of the U.S. This change is expected to help the South Texas onion industry develop additional markets for its onions, while increasing returns to producers and providing an increased supply of onions to help satisfy a rapidly developing export market.