2864-S AMH LINV H4452.1

2864-S AMH LINV H4452.1

SHB 2864 - H AMD

By Representative Linville

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that organic agriculture is an important, and rapidly growing, segment of Washington's agricultural industry. The production of organic agricultural commodities requires specialized crop management that differs from the procedures utilized by conventional growers. Organic producers raise a variety of crops statewide, some of which are currently under the purview of existing commodity commissions, while others are not represented by any of the existing commodity commissions. This arrangement causes some degree of confusion, overlap of jurisdictions, and lack of representation. A possible solution to these problems is the granting of legislative authority to organic producers to form one, or multiple, organic food commissions. However, the legislature finds that it should have an opportunity to review any issues and conflicts that may surround the financing of an organic food commission, the relationship of organic farming to the current commodity commissions, and other possibilities for meeting the promotion and research needs of organic growers.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The organic food study group is created to study the issues raised in section 1 of this act.

(2) The organic food study group shall consist of four members, to be comprised of two members from the senate, one from each caucus, to be appointed by the president of the senate; and two members from the house of representatives, one from each caucus, to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. The organic food study group shall select a chair from its members.

(3) The expenses of the organic food study group shall be paid by the legislature under chapter 44.04 RCW. Staff support for the committee shall be provided by the senate committee services and house of representatives office of program research and the study group may also call upon any of the state agencies to assist in research and provide information.

(4) The organic food study group may examine:

(a) The pros and cons of authorizing one or more organic food commissions;

(b) Methods for funding one or more organic food commissions;

(d) Options available to address the organic producer's need for organic research and promotion that is currently being conducted by the existing commodity commissions; and

(e) Any other issues deemed appropriate by the organic food study group.

(5) The organic food study group shall meet at least once with representatives from the major commodity commissions, any interested growers of both organic and conventional crops, and any other parties that may be invited by the chair to discuss the issues in the study group's purview. The study group may hold additional meetings with additional groups as deemed appropriate.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. This act expires December 31, 2002."

Correct the title.