| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee | |
HB 1311
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Continuing the small farm direct marketing assistance program.
Sponsors: Representatives Grant, Hailey, McCoy, McDonald, Newhouse, Chase, Dickerson, Haler, Kenney, Springer and Morrell; by request of Department of Agriculture.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/1/07
Staff: Meg Van Schoorl (786-7105).
Background:
About 89 percent of Washington farms fit the U.S. Department of Agriculture definition of small
farms: less than $250,000 in gross annual sales, with the day-to-day labor and management
provided by the farmer and/or the farm family that owns or leases the productive assets of the
farm.
In 2001, the Legislature passed HB 1984, creating a Small Farm Direct Marketing Program
(Program) in the state Department of Agriculture. The Program is statutorily directed to assist
small farms in marketing their products, including helping them comply with government
regulations; assisting with infrastructure development that will increase marketing opportunities;
and promoting localized food production.
The statute contains an expiration date of July 1, 2007.
Summary of Bill:
The July 1, 2007 expiration date is removed from the statute that creates and prescribes the
duties of the Small Farm Direct Marketing Program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.