PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Brassica seed crops, the department is proposing to adopt rules regarding the orderly production of Brassica seed crops.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 181, Laws of 2007.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: As a result of the 2007 legislative session, chapter 181, Laws of 2007, was enacted, including an emergency clause. Its purpose is to provide for the orderly production of potentially incompatible varieties of Brassica seed crops. This new law authorizes the department of agriculture to establish Brassica seed production districts in response to grower petitions. The legislation also authorizes the department to adopt implementation rules for the statute. These rules are necessary to decrease the potential of genetic crosses that could result in significant loss of quality, purity, and value in the seed produced.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed new rules with affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mary A. Martin Toohey, Assistant Director, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail mtoohey@agr.wa.gov.
May 15, 2007
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director