5613 AMS SHIN S2672.1

SB 5613 - S AMD 297

By Senators Shin, Jacobsen, Parlette, Gardner, Morton, Rasmussen, Snyder, Honeyford, Spanel, and Swecker

    On page 3, after line 3, insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  A new section is added to chapter 43.23 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) The legislature finds that the development of an overall strategy to provide improved markets for the richly diversified agricultural commodities produced in our state is needed to stabilize and enhance the rural and agricultural economies in Washington.  One important component of this strategy is to focus on increasing the visibility and market share of agricultural products with in-state consumers.  The legislature finds that state-produced commodities are of the highest quality, transported the least distance, and are the freshest.  Further, increased competition and well-funded advertising campaigns from competing regions are eroding in-state market share for commodities produced within this state.  The legislature further finds many consumers prefer to buy locally produced commodities and prefer to support our state's economy.  These consumers would buy Washington produce if they were able to identify the products as "grown in Washington."

    (2) There is hereby created within the department of agriculture a "grown in Washington" program.  The purpose of the program is to allow the department of agriculture to provide matching funds to commodity boards, commodity commissions, and other qualifying entities to implement programs that increase sales and market share for state-produced agricultural commodities in our state domestic market.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.  If specific funding for the purposes of section 4 of this act, referencing section 4 of this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2001, in the omnibus appropriations act, section 4 of this act is null and void."

SB 5613 - S AMD 297

By Senators Shin, Jacobsen, Parlette, Gardner, Morton, Rasmussen, Snyder, Honeyford, Spanel, and Swecker

    On page 1, line 2 of the title, after "RCW;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new section to chapter 43.23 RCW; creating new sections; and providing expiration dates."

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