FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 6026

                           C 97 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Using "Washington state grown" for agricultural commodities.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, Loveland, A. Anderson, Morton, Bauer, Snyder, Newhouse, Winsley and Kohl).

Senate Committee on Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

Background:  Some states, including California, have proposed laws to provide for the voluntary advertising and labeling of agricultural products as having been grown in that state.

Summary:  Agricultural commodities may be labeled, advertised, marked or sold with the words "Washington State Grown" or similar language if the product is grown or raised in Washington State.

Agricultural commodities that are not grown or raised in this state cannot be advertised, labeled or sold as "Washington State Grown," in a way to imply they are grown in Washington State.  A violation of this section is an unfair and deceptive act in trade and commerce, and an unfair method of competition for the purposes of applying the Consumer Protection Act.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    48 0

House     97 0

Effective:  July 23, 1995