WSR 23-16-056

PERMANENT RULES

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Filed July 26, 2023, 10:05 a.m., effective August 26, 2023]

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

Purpose: This rule-making order amends chapter 16-157 WAC, Organic food standards and certification, by adopting the current, March 30, 2022, version of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations (7 C.F.R. Part 205).

The department adopts these national standards for organically produced agricultural products in order to remain uniform with the National Organic Program. These standards assure consumers that products with the USDA organic seal meet consistent, uniform standards that are in compliance with federal regulations.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 16-157-020.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 15.86.060(1), [15.86.]065(3).

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 23-09-036 on April 14, 2023.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Date Adopted: July 25, 2023.

Derek I. Sandison

Director

OTS-4250.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 22-15-010, filed 7/7/22, effective 8/7/22)

WAC 16-157-020Adoption of the National Organic Program.

The Washington state department of agriculture adopts the standards of the National Organic Program, 7 C.F.R. Part 205, effective March ((30, 2022))20, 2023, for the production and handling of organic crops, livestock, and processed agricultural products. The National Organic Program rules may be obtained from the department by emailing the organic program at organic@agr.wa.gov, by phone at 360-902-1805 or accessing the National Organic Program's website at https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic.