PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-350 WAC, Registration and certification of fruit tree planting stock, the department is reviewing its rules regarding fruit tree planting stock and may propose to change them to meet current industry and regulatory needs. In addition, the department may amend the existing language to increase its clarity and readability.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 15.14 and 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 16-350 WAC establishes rules for the certification of fruit trees and related ornamentals. This is a voluntary program that allows growers to propagate planting stock that is certified as tested for harmful viruses, which affect the quality and yields of tree fruit production. A revision of this rule is necessary to meet the phytosanitary requirements of our trading partners and to assure that certified rootstock from other states used to propagate certified apple trees is equivalent to Washington certified stock.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mary A. Martin Toohey, Assistant Director, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail mtoohey@agr.wa.gov.
September 21, 2004
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director