PROPOSED RULES
Continuance of WSR 06-20-128.
Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The Washington state wine commission petitioned the Washington state department of agriculture to proceed with a proposal to increase the ceiling, or top range, of the winery and grape grower mandatory assessment rate.
Date of Intended Adoption: March 19, 2007.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposal amends the winery and grape grower mandatory assessment by increasing the top end of the assessment range as follows: For vinifera grapes grown in this state, the assessment shall not be less than three dollars per ton nor more than twelve dollars per ton; and the proposed assessment rate for wine producers shall not be less than $0.02 per gallon nor more than $0.08 per gallon.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The Washington wine commission has developed a five-year strategic plan for marketing and developing the Washington wine industry. Amending the range off [of] the assessment paid by wineries and grape growers will allow the flexibility needed to implement and fund the activities approved by the Washington wine commission in its plan.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 15.88.110 and 66.24.215.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 15.88 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: The adoption date is being extended to allow more time to prepare for and conduct a referendum of both wine producers and grape growers prior to any adoption.
Name of Proponent: Washington wine commission, public.
November 7, 2006
Valoria H. Loveland
Director