WSR 09-11-034

EXPEDITED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


[ Filed May 11, 2009, 4:24 p.m. ]

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 16-157 WAC.

NOTICE

     THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO Miles McEvoy, Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560 , AND RECEIVED BY July 20, 2009.


     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The United States National Organic Program was amended in October 2008. The current WAC 16-157-020 adopts the September 11, 2006, version of the National Organic Program and needs to be updated. The proposal would adopt the most current version of the National Organic Program dated October 9, 2008.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: The current version of the National Organic Program needs to be adopted so that Washington producers and handlers are complying with the current version of the National Organic Program and so that the Washington state department of agriculture can maintain its accreditation with the National Organic Program.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 15.86 RCW.

     Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 15.86 RCW.

     Rule is necessary because of federal law, [no further information supplied by agency.]

     Name of Proponent: Washington state department of agriculture, organic food program.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Miles McEvoy, Olympia, (360) 902-1924.

May 11, 2009

Jerry Buendel

Assistant Director

OTS-2341.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 06-23-108, filed 11/17/06, effective 12/18/06)

WAC 16-157-020   Adoption of the National Organic Program.   The Washington state department of agriculture adopts the standards of the National Organic Program, 7 CFR Part 205, effective ((September 11, 2006)) October 9, 2008, for the production and handling of organic crops, livestock, and processed food products. The National Organic Program rules may be obtained from the department.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 15.86.060 and 15.86.070. 06-23-108, § 16-157-020, filed 11/17/06, effective 12/18/06. Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.86 and 34.05 RCW. 04-24-015, § 16-157-020, filed 11/22/04, effective 12/23/04. Statutory Authority: Chapter 15.86 RCW. 03-03-044, § 16-157-020, filed 1/10/03, effective 2/10/03; 02-10-090, § 16-157-020, filed 4/29/02, effective 5/30/02.]

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office