H-1235              _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 731

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

By Representatives Madsen and R. King

Read first time 2/8/85 and referred to Committee on Agriculture.

AN ACT Relating to horse breeding and marketing; and amending RCW 15.64.010.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

        Sec. 1.  Section 15.64.010, chapter 11, Laws of 1961 and RCW 15.64.010 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The director shall investigate and promote the economical and efficient distribution of farm products, and in so doing may cooperate with federal agencies and agencies of this and other states engaged in similar activities.  For such purposes he may:

          (((1))) (a) Maintain a market news service by bulletins and through newspapers, giving information as to prices, available supplies of different farm products, demand in local and foreign markets, freight rates, and any other data of interest to producers and consumers;

          (((2))) (b) Aid producers and consumers in establishing economical and efficient methods of distribution, promoting more direct business relations by organizing cooperative societies of buyers and sellers and by other means reducing the cost and waste in the distribution of farm products;

          (((3))) (c) Investigate the methods of middlemen handling farm products, and in so doing, he may hear complaints and suggestions and may visit places of business of all such middlemen and may examine under oath, the officers and employees thereof;

          (((4))) (d) If he finds further legislation on this subject advisable, he shall make recommendations thereon to the governor not later than the fifteenth of November of each even-numbered year;

          (((5))) (e) Investigate the possibilities of direct dealing between the producer and consumer by parcel post and other mail order methods;

          (((6))) (f) Assist in the obtaining and employment of farm labor, and to that end cooperate with federal, state and municipal agencies engaged in similar work;

          (((7))) (g) Investigate the methods, charges and delays of transportation of farm products and assist producers in relation thereto.

(2) The director shall establish a program for promoting the breeding of horses within this state and for the marketing of Washington-bred horses.  The marketing program shall be directed to markets within and outside of the state.