PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-326 WAC, Brassica seed production district rule. The department is considering revising the current Brassica seed production district rules by amending restrictions for district 1, which is located on the west side of the state, or other recommended provisions. In addition, the department may amend the existing language of the WAC 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: Chapters 15.51 and 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: During the 2007 legislative session, legislation was enacted providing for the orderly production of potentially incompatible varieties of Brassica seed crops. As authorized in this legislation, the agency adopted rules that established Brassica seed production districts and requirements for growing, transporting, and handling Brassica seed crops within two designated Brassica seed production districts. The Brassica work group is considering recommending revisions to the provisions affecting seed production district 1 and possibly other provisions.
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.
April 21, 2010
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director