ANALYSIS OF HB 1910

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee                                                 February 25, 1999

- Authorizes the use of logos for the sale of substances approved for use

regarding organic food.

BACKGROUND:

The state=s organic food laws authorize the Director of Agriculture to establish by rule a certification program for producers, processors, and vendors of organic and transition to organic food.  (RCW 15.86.070.)  Among the rules adopted establishing such certification programs are those designating logos for that may be used by various certificate holders.  (Chapters 16-156 and 16-158 WAC.)  These logos contain the Seal of the State of Washington.

The organic food laws require the Director to establish a list of approved substances that may be used in the production, processing, and handling of organic food.  (RCW 15.86.060(2).)

SUMMARY:

The use of one or more logos is authorized regarding the sale of substances approved by the Director for use in the production, processing, and handling of organic food.  Such a logo may include the Seal of the State of Washington.  This authority does not require rule-making.