SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1554

BYHouse Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Jacobsen, Chandler, Fraser, Belcher, Anderson, Ballard, Wolfe and Brekke)

Providing a program to promote organic farming and low-input agriculture.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 30, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Bailey, Gaspard, Hansen, Madsen.

Senate Staff:John Stuhlmiller (786-7446)

                  March 31, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, MARCH 30, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Agriculture administers a certification program for producers of organic foods under RCW 15.86.  The program includes inspection by certification personnel, recordkeeping requirements, and the submission of product samples for chemical analysis.  The certification program is a fee-for-service program.

SUMMARY:

Authorization for the organic food certification program is expanded to include the certification of processors of organic foods.  The program must also promote the use of organic and low-input farming practices and provide information to growers on these subjects.  The program must work with producers, universities, other state offices, and the cooperative extension service to meet current and future research, education, and extension needs of the industry.  Fees charged under the program need only cover the costs of the inspection program.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      available

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The requirement that the organic certification program promote the use of organic and low-input practices is replaced with the requirement that adequate monitoring be provided to ensure that the standards of the organic food certification program are met.

No out-of-state products may be labelled or sold as organic without having first received organic certification, in the state of origin, which meets the requirements of this state's organic food laws.

An appropriation of $49,500 is made from the general fund to the Department of Agriculture.

Senate Committee - Testified: Brad Barnes, apple grower (pro); Bill Earnest, produce merchandiser; Pat Moore, President, Farmers Wholesale Cooperative (pro); David Garretson, apple grower (pro); Margaret Clark, Town and Country Market (pro); Ken Allison, produce merchandiser (pro); Carrie West, Charlie's Produce (pro); Miles McEvoy, Washington Organic Food Program (pro)