SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1910

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

    Agriculture & Rural Economic Development, April 2, 1999

Title:  An act relating to establishing logos for substances approved for use in the production, processing, and handling of organic food.

Brief Description:  Establishing logos for substances approved for use in the production, processing, and handling of organic food.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives G. Chandler and Anderson).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Rural Economic Development:  3/24/99, 4/2/99 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; T. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Gardner, Honeyford, Morton, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff:  David Johnson (786-7754)

Background:  The state provides organic food certification for producers, processors, and vendors of organic foods.

The organic food laws require the Director of the Department of Agriculture to establish a list of approved substances that may be used in the production, processing, and handling of organic food.

Summary of Bill:  In addition to labeling organic food, an official state logo may be used to identify substances approved by the Department of Agriculture for use in organic food production.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  A logo for these products is appropriate and will be useful.  A logo would be a convenience for the grower of organic products.  A logo would be a selling point and provide clear and accurate labeling.  Passing a law would be quicker than rule-making.

Testimony Against:  This should be done by rule instead of law to allow for the greatest input from groups.

Testified:  PRO:  Jerry Smedes, NWWI; Mike Ryherd, Alternative Agriculture Coalition; Betsie Dewreede, Organic Adv Board (neutral); Mary Beth Lang, Department of Agriculture (comments).