WSR 15-16-023

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed July 27, 2015, 8:57 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-350 WAC, Registration and certification of fruit tree planting stock, the department is considering adopting changes to the fruit tree planting stock rule to better align with the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN). This proposal would adopt the format of the fruit tree "State Level Model Regulatory Standard" of the NCPN, modify the eligibility requirements for registered prunus trees, and clarify eligibility requirements for imported propagation material.

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: NCPN was created to protect specialty crops from the spread of economically harmful plant pests and diseases. Its mission is to provide healthy planting stock that is easier to propagate, requires fewer chemical inputs, and produces higher crop yields and better crop quality. The NCPN does this through programs which screen plant selections for viruses and other diseases that can be spread by contaminated planting stock. Modifying our certification program is necessary to continue to reduce the chance of introduction of exotic pests that can be difficult and costly to control and to further standardize our program with the NCPN model.

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 Brad White, 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 bwhite@agr.wa.gov; or Cindy Cooper, Plant Services Program Manager, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-2062, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail ccooper@agr.wa.gov.

July 27, 2015

Brad White

Assistant Director