HB 1208 - DIGEST

     Authorizes the director of the department to enter into contracts with members of the Pacific Northwest economic region, port districts, or commodity commissions for the purpose of:

     (1) Establishing foreign trade offices designed to promote the export of Washington agricultural products; or

     (2) Contracting with overseas contractors to promote the export of Washington's agricultural products.

     Requires the department to report to the legislature the results of the export promotion under this section and recommendations for improvements.

     Appropriates the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, from the general fund to the department of agriculture for the purposes of this act.  The appropriation in this provision is subject to the following conditions:

     (1) The funds must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis with funds from other members of the Pacific Northwest economic region; and

     (2) No more than five percent of this appropriation may be used for administrative costs of the department of agriculture.

     Appropriates the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, from the general fund to the department of agriculture for the purposes of this act.  The appropriation in this provision is subject to the following condition:

     (1) The funds must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis with funds from other members of the Pacific Northwest economic region; and

     (2) No funds from this appropriation may be used for administrative costs of the department of agriculture.