FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1891

C 324 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Increasing the international trade of Washington state agricultural products.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Mulliken, Schoesler, Veloria, B. Chandler, Van Luven, Linville, G. Chandler, Conway and Dunn).

House Committee on Trade & Economic Development

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Agriculture & International Trade

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is the designated state agency for the administration and implementation of state agricultural marketing development programs and activities.  These marketing programs and activities are designed to promote the sale of Washington's agricultural products in domestic and foreign markets.

The WSDA is directed to assist in the promotion of Washington's agricultural products by: (1) acting as an effective intermediary between foreign nations and Washington traders; (2) encouraging and promoting the movement of foreign and domestic agricultural goods through Washington's ports; (3) conducting an active program by sending representatives to, or engaging representatives in, foreign countries to promote the state's agricultural commodities and products; (4) encouraging the production of those commodities that will have high export potential and appeal; (5) coordinating the trade promotional activities of appropriate federal, state, and local public agencies, as well as civic organizations; and (6) developing a coordinated marketing program with the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, using existing trade offices and participating in mutual trade missions and activities.

Summary:

Two programs are developed in the Washington State Department of Agriculture that are designed to: (1) promote the marketing of Washington's agricultural products; and (2) reduce trade barriers that hinder the export of Washington's agricultural products.

Market Development and Promotion Matching Fund Program

A Marketing Development and Promotion Matching Fund Program is created in the WSDA.  The program provides funds, which must be matched by funds from the agricultural industry, to hire a contractor to market and promote Washington's agricultural products in certain markets.  The goal of the program is to expose domestic and foreign buyers of Washington's diverse agricultural products.

Trade Barrier Matching Fund Program

A Trade Barrier Matching Fund Program is created in the WSDA.  The program provides matching funds to large and small commodity groups to assist them in addressing trade barriers that hinder the export of Washington's agricultural goods to foreign markets.  The WSDA has sole discretion on the distribution of the matching funds.

Votes on Final Passage:

House980

Senate490(Senate amended)

House912(House concurred)

Effective:  July 22, 2001