SENATE BILL REPORT

                           EHB 2561

                AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 1, 1994

Brief Description:  Modifying regulations for controlled atmosphere storage of fruit.

SPONSORS: Representatives Rayburn and Roland

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators M. Rasmussen, Chairman; Loveland, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Morton, Newhouse and Snyder.

Staff:  Bob Lee (786‑7404)

Hearing Dates: February 17, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Current law establishes the length of time that apples must be in controlled atmosphere storage in order to be classified as being stored in controlled atmosphere storage.  The minimum length of time for all apples in statute is 90 days.

SUMMARY:

Gala and Jonagold varieties of apples need to be in controlled atmosphere storage for at least 45 days before they can be classified as having been stored in controlled atmosphere storage.  For other varieties, the minimum length of time remains at 90 days.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

When controlled atmosphere storage technology was developed in late 1960s, there were fewer apple varieties.  However, new varieties of apples do diminish in taste when stored for extended periods of time in controlled atmosphere storage faciities.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Frank DeLong, WA Horticulturists (pro)