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.