ANALYSIS OF SB 5353

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee                                                    March 23, 1999

   Expressly authorizes the Dairy Products Commission to participate in federal and state regulatory activities and to conduct educational activities for the diary industry regarding them.

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Dairy Products Commission is an agricultural commodity commission that has been created directly by statute.  (RCW  15.44.020.)  Among the authorities of the Commission are: conducting scientific research designed to improve milk production, quality, transportation, processing, and distribution; and developing uses and markets for dairy products and promoting their sale.  (RCW 15.44.060.)

SUMMARY:

The Commission is expressly authorized to:

- participate in federal and state agency proceedings regarding the regulation of the             production, manufacture, distribution, sale, or use of dairy products,

- provide educational meetings and seminars for the dairy industry on these matters, and

     - expend commission funds for these activities.