SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5317

          AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 8, 1991

Brief Description:  Establishing the center for sustaining agriculture and natural resources, and the food and environmental quality laboratory as research and extension programs of Washington State University.

SPONSORS:Senators Saling, Gaspard, Patterson, Bauer, Barr, Hansen, Jesernig, Newhouse, Hayner, Bailey, Nelson, Madsen, Matson, Owen and Stratton.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5317 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Conner, Gaspard, Hansen, and Newhouse. 

Staff:  John Stuhlmiller (786‑7446)

Hearing Dates:February 8, 1991

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Linda Brownell (786-7715)

Hearing Dates:

BACKGROUND:

Concern over the safety of the food supply has prompted university and regulatory interests to consider ways to increase public confidence as to the adequacy of food safety programs in the state.  Expressed needs in the area of safety assurance include developing the necessary facilities to conduct pesticide residue analysis.  Additionally, growers have expressed the need for increased research and extension assistance to help them develop alternative pest control methods.

SUMMARY:

The Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources is established at Washington State University.  The center is created to provide leadership in research, extension and resident instruction programs to sustain agriculture and natural resources.  The activities of the center will be concentrated in areas such as on-farm testing and research in farming systems and technologies and improved farm management including integrated pest management and food safety and quality issues.

The center will be managed by an administrator who will also serve as an assistant director in the Washington State University Agricultural Research Center and Cooperative Extension.  An advisory committee consisting of representatives from government and industry organizations is created to assist the administrator.

The administrator, in consultation with the advisory committee, is directed to recommend research and extension priorities for the center, to conduct a competitive grants process to prioritize research and extension proposals, and advise Washington State University on the progress of the development and implementation of research, teaching and extension programs in sustaining agriculture and natural resources.

The Food and Environmental Quality Laboratory is established at Washington State University in the Tri-Cities.  The laboratory is to evaluate regional needs for minor crop pesticide registration through the Interregional Project Number 4 program; conduct pesticide residue studies; improve pesticide information and education programs; and assist in the registration of alternative pest control methods.

An advisory board for the laboratory is to be appointed by the dean of the Washington State University College of Agriculture and Home Economics.  The advisory board is made up of education, research, government, chemical industry, agriculture, consumer and environmental representatives.  The board will review the chemicals investigated by the laboratory in its research programs.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The intent language is modified to balance the varied interests involved in the bill, and a number of other technical changes are made.

Appropriation: $7,800,000 is appropriated from the general fund to Washington State University.  Of this appropriation $6,600,000 is to be expended for the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, and $1,200,000 is to be expended for the Food and Environmental Quality Laboratory. 

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 22, 1991

TESTIMONY FOR (Agriculture & Water Resources):

The bill sets a very needed policy direction for the state which focuses on the future needs of the residents of the state; growers need to have help developing the tools for the future.

TESTIMONY AGAINST (Agriculture & Water Resources):  None

TESTIFIED (Agriculture & Water Resources):  Larry Ganders, Washington State University (pro); James Zuiches, Washington State University (pro); Gary Piper, Washington State University (pro); Woody Deryckx, Washington Tilth (pro); Cha Smith, Washington Toxics Coalition (pro)