SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SSB 6026

                As Passed Senate, March 9, 1995

Title:  An act relating to Washington state agricultural commodities.

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).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development:  2/28/95 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 3/9/95, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & AGRICULTURAL TRADE & DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6026 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; Loveland, Vice Chair; A. Anderson, Bauer, Morton, Newhouse and Snyder.

Staff:  Bob Lee (786-7404)

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 of Bill:  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.

Appropriation:   None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Several products such as "Washington Grown Fryers" are advertised as products grown in the state to imply higher quality, to garner support for locally grown products, or to provide for product distinction in marketing.  Products not raised or grown here should not falsely try to capitalize on the reputation of products grown in Washington State.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Chris Chaney (pro); Mike Schwisow, Oregon-Washington Dairy Processors (pro).