SB 5004 - DIGEST |
(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB) |
Finds that: (1) The loss of livestock slaughter facilities has significantly impeded local meat production in many regions of the state; |
(2) Mobile custom farm slaughtering units, capable of visiting farms and ranches to slaughter animals humanely and inexpensively, can assist in reviving local meat production; and |
(3) Establishing a loan program that enables local governments to purchase mobile custom farm slaughtering units for lease to livestock producers, conditioned upon producers' donation of a portion of meat processed by the units to local food banks, will both support Washington's disadvantaged citizens and reinvigorate rural economies. |
Establishes the mobile custom farm slaughtering unit loan program within the department of agriculture. |
Creates the mobile custom farm slaughtering unit loan account. |
Directs the director of agriculture to report to the legislature and the governor on the status of the program on or before December 1, 2010, and annually thereafter. |