PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Red raspberry grade and standards in chapter 16-143 WAC.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 69.04 and 15.17 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: On May 22, 2000, the department adopted grades and standards for fresh red raspberries. On June 14, 2000, the director adopted an emergency that delayed the effective date of the rules in order to consider questions raised on the implementation and compliance by persons or entities covered by the rules. Due to the delay, there has been confusion as to how the rules would be applied to raspberries harvested before June 2001. The department is proposing to amend the rules or adopt additional rules to clarify implementation of chapter 16-143 WAC.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has standards for red raspberries. The definitions and labeling standards are in addition to the USDA grades and do not replace the USDA grade standards.
Process for Developing New Rule: The department will seek comments from the Red Raspberry Commission, growers and processors.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by sending written comments to Dr. Candace Jacobs, Assistant Director, 1111 Washington Street S.E., P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, or by phone to (360) 902-1888, fax (360) 902-2087.
September 19, 2000
William E. Brookreson
Deputy Director
for Dr. Candace Jacobs
Assistant Director