The Commissioner may determine and announce a shipping date
each year for the Vidalia onion marketing season in this state upon the recommendation of the Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel. Vidalia onions may be shipped prior to such date with a mandatory U.S. No. 1 grade certificate. The Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel shall survey the conditions of the Vidalia onion crop and recommend a shipping date for the
marketing season to the Commissioner.