WSR 14-22-093

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed November 4, 2014, 12:04 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Requirements for orchardgrass in the quality seed certification program under chapter 16-302 WAC, General rules for seed certification.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 15.49.005 and 15.49.021; chapter 34.05 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In response to a petition for rule making received from industry, the department is considering adding orchardgrass to the quality seed certification program. This will allow orchardgrass hay producers to identify seed lots that are free from contaminates that are detrimental to orchardgrass hay.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: The Washington state department of agriculture (WSDA) staff will develop the specific rule proposal in consultation with a special committee made up of members of the seed and hay industries. In addition the seed program advisory committee will be kept informed of this proposal. Interested parties can participate in the public hearing/public comment process, the dates of which will be announced when the department files the rule proposal with the code reviser.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Victor Shaul, WSDA Seed Program, 21 North 1st Avenue, Suite 203, Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 249-6950, e-mail Vshaul@agr.wa.gov.

November 4, 2014

Brad J. Avy

Assistant Director