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By René Hardwick, National Onion Association Director of Public and Industry Relations
Have you had enough of ag policy and regulations cutting into your bottom line? Maybe you’ve reached the point where you want to get involved and help steer the future of this industry instead of settling for the morning coffee complaint circle. If so, the National Onion Association invites you to step in, speak up, and help push real progress for you and your neighbors.
We say it often because it remains true: the NOA stands up for the onion industry every day. From representing growers and shippers in legislative discussions to creating opportunities for learning, networking and crop promotion, the association works to shape policy and build long-term demand for onions.
Under the leadership of Greg Yielding and an executive board that shows up ready to work, the NOA has sharpened its focus on both federal policy and industry growth. That renewed commitment is already paying off.
Each year, we take a member delegation to Washington, D.C., to meet directly with congressional offices, ag policy staff and federal regulators. These trips consistently open members’ eyes to how much influence they can have simply by telling their stories face-to-face. This year’s trip is scheduled for March 1-4 – after planting starts and before Spring Break – which makes it easier for more growers to attend. If you’re a member in good standing, we encourage you to come see this work firsthand and add your voice to the conversations that shape your livelihood.
This advocacy doesn’t begin and end with one trip. Over the past seven years, steady engagement has made a noticeable impact. A clear example is the long-running dispute over Mexico’s failure to meet its 1944 Water Treaty obligations. The NOA has worked with partners to keep this issue in front of decision makers, contributing to ongoing U.S. efforts to enforce compliance, incorporate treaty adherence into USMCA discussions, and explore a per-bag duty on Mexican onions to level the playing field.
We’ve also stayed involved in the issue of onion-related recalls. While no investigation has ever definitively proven onions as the source, the process is difficult for everyone – consumers, investigators and industry alike. The NOA continues to push for thorough, fair investigations without escalating tensions in a way that harms growers who work hard to provide a safe, quality product. That work will continue as long as needed.
When growers pay their annual NOA dues, they’re funding this kind of action – advocacy, information, outreach and the steady work that protects the industry. It’s an investment that keeps the onion sector stronger and more resilient.
As a member, your 2026 dues are up, and we ask they be paid by Jan. 31 to continue this work. If you’d like to join, or rejoin, visit www.onions-usa.org/membership to download the brochure or sign up online. If you’re interested in attending the Washington, D.C., trip, reach out to Greg Yielding at gyielding@onions-usa.org.
René Hardwick can be reached at rhardwick@onions-usa.org.