WSR 15-13-115

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed June 16, 2015, 2:04 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-403 WAC, Standards for apples marketed within the state of Washington, the purpose of this chapter is to establish standards for apples being packed and marketed within the state of Washington.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 15.17.030 Enforcement—Director's duties—Rules, 15.17.050 Rules—Authority of director, 15.17.060 Adoption of standards, and chapter 34.05 RCW, Administrative Procedure Act.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering amending or consolidating sections of this chapter to promote clarity regarding the packing and marketing of apples that are grown and/or packed within the state of Washington. These standards are used and recognized throughout the country and in major export markets around [the] world. Therefore a clear and concise set of standards is a valuable source to facilitate the packing and marketing of apples for domestic and export destinations.

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, Commodity Inspection Division, Department of Agriculture, 1111 Washington Street S.E., P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1960, jlarsen@agr.wa.gov, fax (360) 902-2085.

June 16, 2015

Brad J. Avy

Assistant Director