Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Trade & Economic Development Committee

HB 1852

Brief Description:  Increasing international marketing of Washington's goods and services.

Sponsors:  Representatives Morris, Schoesler, Anderson, Eickmeyer, Conway, Fromhold, Van Luven, Kenney, Dunn, Santos, Ogden, Jackley, O'Brien, Lovick and Linville.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Authorizes the Director of the Department of Agriculture to enter into contracts with members of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, port districts, or commodity commissions to promote the export of Washington=s agricultural products.

$Directs the Department of Agriculture and Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development to co-locate, where feasible, state trade offices or offices of foreign representative contractors with comparable offices of states or Canadian provinces that are members of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region.

Hearing Date:  2/5/02

Staff:  Kenny Pittman (786‑7392).

Background:

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is the designated state agency for the administration and implementation of state agricultural marketing development programs and activities.  These marketing programs and activities are designed to promote the sale of Washington=s agricultural products in domestic and foreign markets.

The WSDA is authorized to assist in the promotion of Washington=s agricultural products by: (a) acting as an effective intermediary between foreign nations and Washington=s traders; (b) encouraging and promoting the movement of foreign and domestic agricultural goods through Washington=s ports; (c) conducting an active program by sending representatives to foreign countries, or engaging representatives in foreign countries to promote the state=s agricultural commodities and products; (d) encouraging the production of those commodities that will have high export potential and appeal; (e) coordinating the trade promotional activities of appropriate federal, state, and local public agencies, as well as civic organizations; and (f) developing a coordinated marketing program with the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (DCTED), using existing trade offices and participating in mutual trade missions and activities.

The DCTED is the primary state agency charged with the establishment and operation of foreign offices designed to promote the sale of goods and services produced by Washington=s businesses in foreign markets.

The Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) is a membership organization that brings together legislative, government and private sector leaders to work toward the development of public policies that promote the economies of the Pacific Northwest region and respond to the challenges of the global marketplace.  The objective of PNWER is to build the necessary critical mass for the region to become a major player in the new global economy, while reducing barriers to trade.

The PNWER currently consists of the American states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington plus the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Yukon Territory, as well as numerous private sector members.

Summary of Bill:

The Director of the Department of Agriculture is authorized to enter into contracts with members of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER), port districts, or commodity commissions for promotion of Washington=s agricultural products.  The purposes of the contracts are: (a) to establish foreign trade offices that are designed to promote the export of Washington=s agricultural products; or (b) to contract with overseas contractors that will promote the export of Washington=s agricultural products.  The Department of Agriculture must report to the appropriate committees of the Legislature on the results of the contracts entered into for export promotion and make recommendations for program improvements.

The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development must co-locate, where feasible, their state trade offices or offices of foreign representative contractors with comparable offices of states or Canadian provinces that are members of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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