SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 1977

                             AS OF MARCH 25, 1991

Brief Description:  Increasing in‑state marketing opportunities for small agricultural producers.

SPONSORS:Representatives Belcher, Prentice, Inslee, Rayburn and Rasmussen.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES

Staff:  Bob Lee (786‑7404)

Hearing Dates:March 28, 1991

BACKGROUND:

In 1990, the Legislature directed the Department of Community Development to establish a grant program for rural development or sharing economic growth outside of the Puget Sound region.  One of the objectives of the program is to develop "urban-rural" links.  The Legislature directed the department to consult an advisory committee and the Department of Trade and Economic Development regarding the program.  This program is funded at about $500,000 per year.

The Department of Agriculture presently administers a marketing program for agricultural products.  Presently, funding is not adequate to administer the direct marketing component of that program.

SUMMARY:

In developing "urban-rural" links, the Department of Community Development must seek to increase instate, direct marketing opportunities for producers of agricultural products.  The grants may be used to help small acreage producers pool their products and sell directly to major instate commercial buyers and consumers.  The Department of Agriculture and Washington State University's cooperative extension program are added to the entities the department is to consult regarding its grant program for rural development or growth sharing.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available