WSR 15-06-002

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed February 19, 2015, 10:49 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-406 WAC, Washington standards for apricots, the purpose of this chapter is to establish standards for apricots.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 15.17 RCW, Standards of grades and packs.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering amending existing rule language, consolidating rule sections and adding more substantial language to most sections. These changes, if adopted, will make it easier for both the fruit and vegetable industry and program staff to understand and follow.

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 staff will develop the rule proposal and will communicate with stakeholders and other interested parties for their review and comment. Interested parties can also participate in the public hearing/public comment process.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jeff Larsen, 1111 Washington Street S.E., P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, (360) 902-1960, fax (360) 902-2085, jlarsen@agr.wa.gov.

February 19, 2015

Brad J. Avy

Assistant Director