Author: cablaxton

Vidalia, GA; August 7, 2024—The Vidalia® Onion Committee (VOC) is seeking nominations from industry producers. The VOC elects eight new nominees annually as part of an annual process. Four members and four alternate seats are currently available on the Committee.

The VOC administers the federal marketing order locally and consists of eight producer members and their alternates, one public member, and an alternate. The VOC oversees the Vidalia onion marketing order and its role in carrying out research, marketing, and advertising on behalf of the industry. Members are limited to three consecutive two-year terms of office.

The VOC encourages all interested members, including minorities, women, and those with physical challenges, to apply as they work toward building a diverse and representative membership. We are also especially interested in getting input from small businesses and organic growers so that the Committee might represent all interests in the Vidalia onion industry. Newly elected members will be seated in their new positions upon approval of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary of Agriculture.

Potential Committee members must first be nominated. Nominations will be accepted from August 7th – August 30th. Please contact the Vidalia Onion Committee to receive a nomination form at shane@voc.flywheelsites.com or cablaxton@voc.flywheelsites.com or (912) 537-1918. Nomination forms can be submitted via fax at 912-537-2166 or by mail at P.O. Box 1609, Vidalia, GA 30475.

After the nominations are closed, voting will occur on September 25 th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the VOC office. No absentee votes will be accepted; walk-in voting is only allowed. All voters must be in good standing with the Committee, which is defined as having timely, regular reports and current assessments. Election officials will tally ballots, and all election materials are the property of the USDA.

Current Office Location: Vidalia, Georgia

Job Title: Executive Director

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Vidalia Onion Committee (Committee) employs the Executive Director to implement and execute directives and policies as instructed by the Committee. This includes managing and administering the Federal marketing order in areas such as financial management, compliance, rulemaking, information management, personnel management and litigation. 

REPORTS TO: Vidalia Onion Committee 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Executive Director performs all managerial functions necessary for the Committee to carry out their duties and responsibilities under the Federal Marketing Order No. 955. The role is under supervision and direction of the Committee and USDA/AMS. The Executive Director is a salaried, full-time position. Candidates should be prepared for varying work hours and time commitments based on obligations throughout the Vidalia onion season and remainder of the year. The Executive Director will be required to travel, supervise employees and engage with other agricultural commodity leaders. The position requires communicating effectively with each segment of the onion industry to fulfil the outlined duties established by the Committee. 

Experience and Qualifications:

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in business administration, marketing, accounting, finance or related disciplines is required
• Minimum of 3 years of continuous employment and/or related experience in a leadership role is required

Equal Employment Opportunity

The VOC does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. 

About the Vidalia Onion Committee:  

The Vidalia Onion Committee was established by Federal Marketing Order No. 955 in 1989, to stipulate where the Vidalia onion crop can be grown and help with research and promotion of Vidalia onions. The Vidalia Onion Committee administers FMO No. 955 and authorizes production research, marketing research and development and marketing promotion programs. This federal program along with Georgia state laws that protect the Vidalia trademark have provided a legal framework for the industry. Committee leadership consists of 8 members and 8 alternate members, 1 public member and 1 public alternate member nominated by the committee and appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture for two-year terms.  

To learn more, visit us online or Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Interested candidates may submit resume and other pertinent information to cablaxton@voc.flywheelsites.com.