Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 2634
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Modifying the powers and duties of the Washington dairy products commission to include research and education related to the economic uses of nutrients produced by dairy farms.
Sponsors: Representatives Buys, Lytton, Dent, Blake, Stanford and McBride; by request of Department of Agriculture.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/28/16
Staff: Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).
Background:
Dairy Nutrients.
Nutrients produced on dairy farms (dairy nutrients) means the organic waste produced by dairy cows on a dairy farm operation. The Dairy Nutrient Management program (program) is administered by the Department of Agriculture (Department) to help protect water quality from dairy nutrient discharges. The program requires all licensed cow dairies to develop and implement dairy nutrient management plans, register with the Department, and participate in regular inspections.
Dairy nutrients contain nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and other nutrients, in varying quantities, which promote plant growth. For this reason, dairy and other livestock nutrients are sometimes composted to be used as garden fertilizer.
Washington Dairy Products Commission.
The Washington Dairy Products Commission (Commission) is one of several commodity commissions in the state, and promotes and provides public education regarding the state's dairy industry. The Commission also conducts research to develop efficient and equitable methods of marketing dairy products.
Summary of Bill:
The Commission is authorized to conduct research and education related to economic uses of nutrients produced on dairy farms.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.