WSR 17-11-099
EXPEDITED RULES
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[Filed May 22, 2017, 11:38 a.m.]
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 16-301-010 Publications adopted in chapters 16-301, 16-302, and 16-303 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 Henri Gonzales, Rules Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, AND RECEIVED BY July 24, 2017.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: This proposal amends WAC 16-301-010 by adopting the following standards regarding the certification or testing of seed: The 2016 version of the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) rules and procedures, the 2016 version of the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) rules for testing, and 7 C.F.R. Part 201 "Federal Seed Act Regulations," revised as of January 1, 2016.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Both AOSCA and AOSA have updated the publications adopted by reference in this rule, yet the rule still references the 2013 editions of these publications. Adopting the most recent version of the AOSCA and AOSA publications and the Federal Seed Act will assure Washington state certified seed is in compliance with national standards designed to promote uniformity and consistency in the certification of agricultural, vegetable and flower seed. These amendments are proposed for expedited adoption under RCW 34.05.353 (1)(b).
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 15.49.005, 15.49.310, 15.49.370(3), chapter 17.24 RCW.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 15.49 and 17.24 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Department of agriculture, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Victor Shaul, 21 North 1st Avenue, Suite 203, Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 249-6950.
May 22, 2017
Jason Ferrante
Assistant Director
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 14-20-050, filed 9/25/14, effective 10/26/14)
WAC 16-301-010 Publications adopted in chapters 16-301, 16-302, and 16-303 WAC.
(1) The department adopts the ((2013)) 2016 Association of Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) rules and procedures for certification.
(2) The department adopts the ((2013)) 2016 Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) rules for testing seed.
(3) The department adopts the Federal Seed Act ((and Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.))), 7 C.F.R. Subchapter K, Part 201, as revised January ((6, 2014)) 1, 2016.
Copies of these documents can be obtained by contacting the department's seed program by calling 509-249-6950, emailing seed@agr.wa.gov, or visiting the department's web site at http://agr.wa.gov/Inspection/SeedInspection/.