FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2634

C 101 L 16

Synopsis as Enacted

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.

House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development

Background:

Dairy Nutrients.

Nutrients produced on dairy farms (dairy nutrients) are 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 (Dairy Commission) is one of several commodity commissions in the state, and promotes and provides public education regarding the state's dairy industry. The Dairy Commission also conducts research to develop efficient and equitable methods of marketing dairy products.

Summary:

The Dairy Commission may conduct research and education related to economic uses of dairy nutrients.

Votes on Final Passage: