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 [email protected] or [email protected] 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.
