SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1890

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Agriculture, April 1, 2003

Title: An act relating to requiring the apple commission board positions to be composed of fifteen members allocated on a geographic basis.

Brief Description: Increasing the apple commission from thirteen to fifteen members.

Sponsors: Representatives Chandler, Linville, Holmquist, Eickmeyer, Schoesler and Grant.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Agriculture: 4/1/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Swecker, Chair; Brandland, Vice Chair; Jacobsen and Rasmussen.

Staff: Evan Sheffels (786-7486)

Background: The Washington Apple Commission is currently composed of 13 elected members, nine of which are apple producers, and four of which are apple dealers.

Currently, grower district number one is represented by four growers, at least one of which must be from Okanogan County. Grower district number two is represented by four growers, and grower district number three is represented by one grower.

To be eligible for election, a grower must derive a substantial portion of his or her income from the commercial production of apples. A grower is not eligible for election to the commission if he or she does not grow a substantial portion of the apples he or she packs or stores, or if he or she does not produce a majority of the apples he or she sells.

Dealer district number one and dealer district number two are each represented by two dealers.

Summary of Bill: The total number of Washington Apple Commission members is increased from 13 to 15. The two new members are both growers, with one coming from grower district number two and the other coming from grower district number three. At least one of the two producers from grower district number three must be from Grant County.

The provision making growers ineligible for election to the commission if they do not grow a substantial portion of the apples they pack or store, or produce a majority of the apples they sell, is deleted.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: The production of apples by volume has shifted regionally over the years, leaving some areas under-represented on the commission. This bill addresses that by apportioning commission membership accordingly. There is industry consensus on the bill.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Dave Ducharme, Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Assn. (pro).