Labor and immigration issues discussed at National Onion Association convention
Labor and immigration issues discussed at National Onion Association convention
Members of the National Onion Association had an opportunity to trade information on a variety of topics at the group's 92nd annual convention in Scottsdale, AZ. The conference concluded Dec. 3.
NOA Executive Vice President Wayne Mininger said that a hot topic of discussion involved labor and U.S. immigration policy. The association is following developments at the congressional level, and Mr. Mininger expects those developments to have a significant effect on the onion- growing industry. "How will the U.S. government respond to labor issues? There are a lot of very strong opinions," he said.
Mr. Mininger acknowledged that the situation with illegal aliens will be difficult to resolve. Proposals run a full gamut from construction of a wall between the United States and Mexico to the documented worker program favored by President Bush. Migrant labor makes up a good share of the work force in agriculture, and Mr. Mininger is uncertain about the potential for adverse effects on onion growers. "We are in conversation and monitoring the situation," Mr. Mininger told The Produce News of industry lobbying efforts.
On Dec. 1, Mr. Mininger delivered an onion industry report. A total of 22 states grow onions for the fresh market and for storage, and Mr. Mininger said that product was grown on 142,090 acres in the United States. He said that in 2005, acreage declined by approximately 5 percent from 2004 totals, noting that this acreage does not include hydrated onions. There were production cutbacks, with fall-winter storage taking the hit. "Virtually all of that acreage" saw production cutbacks, he noted.
Leaders by volume for the fresh market include Idaho- eastern Oregon, Washington and California, and there are approximately 1,000 onion growers in the United States. Mr. Mininger expects prices at the farm and wholesale levels to be higher in the next year.
During the conference, Kimberly Reddin, NOA director of public and industry relations, talked about industry promotions. The association is a "produce-of-the-month" sponsor and is working with Sodexho on a program educating elementary school-age children about healthy produce. In April - officially designated Onion Month - Ms. Reddin said, "Students and parents will receive information about onions and fun recipes they can make at home with their parents." An activities page and calendar have been developed. "Teachers and foodservice managers are encouraged to utilize the [public address] announcement suggestions and other info to incorporate onions into the lunch menu throughout the month."
Ms. Reddin said that future projects for the association include three full-color releases, development of a chef education guide and a variety of foodservice publicity placements.
A summer convention will be held July 19-22 in Las Cruces, NM.
NOA Executive Vice President Wayne Mininger said that a hot topic of discussion involved labor and U.S. immigration policy. The association is following developments at the congressional level, and Mr. Mininger expects those developments to have a significant effect on the onion- growing industry. "How will the U.S. government respond to labor issues? There are a lot of very strong opinions," he said.
Mr. Mininger acknowledged that the situation with illegal aliens will be difficult to resolve. Proposals run a full gamut from construction of a wall between the United States and Mexico to the documented worker program favored by President Bush. Migrant labor makes up a good share of the work force in agriculture, and Mr. Mininger is uncertain about the potential for adverse effects on onion growers. "We are in conversation and monitoring the situation," Mr. Mininger told The Produce News of industry lobbying efforts.
On Dec. 1, Mr. Mininger delivered an onion industry report. A total of 22 states grow onions for the fresh market and for storage, and Mr. Mininger said that product was grown on 142,090 acres in the United States. He said that in 2005, acreage declined by approximately 5 percent from 2004 totals, noting that this acreage does not include hydrated onions. There were production cutbacks, with fall-winter storage taking the hit. "Virtually all of that acreage" saw production cutbacks, he noted.
Leaders by volume for the fresh market include Idaho- eastern Oregon, Washington and California, and there are approximately 1,000 onion growers in the United States. Mr. Mininger expects prices at the farm and wholesale levels to be higher in the next year.
During the conference, Kimberly Reddin, NOA director of public and industry relations, talked about industry promotions. The association is a "produce-of-the-month" sponsor and is working with Sodexho on a program educating elementary school-age children about healthy produce. In April - officially designated Onion Month - Ms. Reddin said, "Students and parents will receive information about onions and fun recipes they can make at home with their parents." An activities page and calendar have been developed. "Teachers and foodservice managers are encouraged to utilize the [public address] announcement suggestions and other info to incorporate onions into the lunch menu throughout the month."
Ms. Reddin said that future projects for the association include three full-color releases, development of a chef education guide and a variety of foodservice publicity placements.
A summer convention will be held July 19-22 in Las Cruces, NM.
