SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1889

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of March 20, 2013

Title: An act relating to the fruit and vegetable district fund.

Brief Description: Concerning the fruit and vegetable district fund.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Chandler and Blake).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/06/13, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 3/19/13.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff: Sherry McNamara (786-7402)

Background: The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) inspects unprocessed fruits and vegetables, collects inspection fees, and deposits the fees into the Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Account (Inspection Account). Monies from the account are used to implement and enforce the fair and orderly marketing of fruits and vegetables through uniform grades, standards, and inspections, and other authorized expenditures. The Inspection Account contains sub-accounts for the two fruit and vegetable districts established by WSDA.

WSDA is authorized to provide a fee-for-service program to provide, upon request, services to growers, special inspections and certifications, diagnostic services, and activities needed to facilitate the movement or sale of plant products. Monies collected from providing these services are deposited in the Plant Pest Account.

Summary of Bill: An additional $150,000 is authorized to be transferred from the Inspection Account to the Plant Pest Account by September 1, 2013. The purpose of the transfer is to solely fund activities related to the control of Rhagoletis pomonella – apple maggots – in district two. The purposes of the transfer expires July 1, 2020.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on June 30, 2013.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The apple maggot can have a devastating effect on our export markets. This bill allows industry to conduct inspections and ensure the marketing and exports of our apples. More than the money, this bill is about insurance and protection for our customers. All of the growers and the industry come together in the shipping process, that is where an infestation such as the apple maggot can shut down our state's access to foreign markets. These accounts are both industry funded and it is very important that we have this transfer.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Chandler, prime sponsor; David Ducharme, Yakima Valley Growers Assn.