Title: An act relating to designating the Walla Walla sweet onion as the official Washington state vegetable.

Brief Description: Designating the Walla Walla sweet onion as the official Washington state vegetable.

Sponsors: Senators Finkbeiner, Esser, Rasmussen and Hewitt.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 1/31/06.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)

Background: Walla Walla Sweet onions are grown in Walla Walla County in southeastern Washington and a part of Umatilla County in northeastern Oregon.

Many states have official state fruits but only six states have official state vegetables, three of which are onions. Georgia designated the Vidalia onion as the state vegetable, Texas has the Texas Sweet onion, and Utah has the Spanish Sweet onion.

Washington has a number of state symbols designated by the Legislature, including a state tree, flower, grass, fruit, bird, gem, and fish.

Summary of Bill: The Walla Walla Sweet onion is designated the official state vegetable of Washington.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: This measure, promoted by students at Kirkland Junior High School, appropriately designates the distinctive Walla Walla Sweet onion as the official state vegetable.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Sen. Finkbeiner, prime sponsor.