PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amending standards for apricots. Changes are being made to WAC 16-406-020, 16-406-030, and 16-406-050 and repealing WAC 16-406-001, no longer needed.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 15.17.050.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Respond to industry request and concerns regarding uniformity in the packing and marking requirements. Changes will improve and enhance the marketing of fresh Washington apricots. The consuming public will be served by improved product quality and uniformity while at the same time allowing product packaging the flexibility to be responsive to market changes.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: USDA Marketing Order 922.
Process for Developing New Rule: This is at the request of the apricot industry, growers, shippers and packers. The department will be working with the industry association and other stakeholders and interested parties in the development of this rule.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jim Quigley, Program Manager, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1833, fax (360) 902-2085.
February 3, 1999
Robert W. Gore
Assistant Director