Brief Description: Concerning the marketing of fruits and vegetables.

Sponsors: By Representatives Newhouse, Grant and Morrell.

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs
Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development

Background:

Agriculture is one of Washington's key industries. In order to protect the state's reputation as a provider of premium fruits and vegetables in the global market, the Legislature created quality standards for fruits and vegetables, with clear direction on the inspection process. Pursuant to the statute, apples, apricots, Italian prunes, peaches, sweet cherries, pears, potatoes, asparagus, and any other fruit or vegetable designated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) that is packed in Washington is subject to inspection to ensure compliance with the grade and pack standards. Inspection is conducted by the Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Division of the WSDA. This inspection makes available to the WSDA individual shipper data, including: produce shipment volume, shipment destination, and variety information. Under the Public Records Act (PRA), this information is subject to disclosure.

In 2002 the Legislature provided a public disclosure exemption for imported apples.

Summary:

The PRA exemption for information related to agriculture and livestock is expanded to include information that can be identified to a particular business by the certificate of completion obtained through the statutorily required inspection of fruits and vegetables. This expands the existing exemption from apples to all inspected fruits and vegetables.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   96   0
Senate   46   0

Effective: July 22, 2007