PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-462 WAC, Grape planting stock -- Registration and certification, the department is considering amending the rules for the grape planting stock certification program, by revising provisions, including field eligibility criteria. In addition, the department may amend the existing language to increase its clarity and readability and update the language to conform to current industry and regulatory standards.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 15.14.015 and chapter 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Revisions were requested by participants of the grapevine certification program. Growers would like additional options to mitigate the risk of nematode vectored viruses, including soil testing or soil treatment, while maintaining the program's effectiveness. Other revisions may include clarification about the number of generations allowed for certified grapevines and other certification criteria.
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; or Tom Wessels, Program Manager, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1984, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail twessels@agr.wa.gov.
January 20, 2010
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director