SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6861

BYSenators Bailey, Gaspard, Barr, Hansen and Anderson

Monitoring the impact of certain substances upon the dairy industry.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:John Stuhlmiller (786-7446)

                February 10, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Agriculture is responsible for establishing standards for dairies and dairy products to protect consumers.  The department's authority includes the inspection of dairy farms and milk plants, and the sampling and testing of milk and milk products.

SUMMARY:

The Director of the Department of Agriculture, upon recommendation of the Dairy Products Commission, shall examine the potential impact of any substances which if used in dairy operations may adversely affect consumer acceptance.

The director may adopt rules restricting the use of such products if, on the advice of the Dairy Products Commission, the products are found to be a threat to the economic vitality of the dairy industry.  Such rules shall only remain in force until consumer acceptance for the product is achieved, and they shall not pertain to agricultural commodities used as feed by dairy producers.

A study committee shall be formed by the director, in consultation with the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, to develop strategies to manage consumer perception issues affecting the dairy industry.  A report is due to the Legislature by January 1, 1991.

Any violation of the rules restricting the use of products by producers is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   PRO:  Larry Burns, Vitamilk Dairy, Inc.; Doug Marshall, Darigold Farms; Dan Coyne, Dairy Fed.; Marilyn Rasmussen, dairy farmer