(1) Eligible handler/packers can obtain an equipment leasing program application by contacting:

Asparagus Leasing Program

Washington State Department of Agriculture

1111 Washington St. S.E., 2nd Floor

P.O. Box 42560

Olympia, WA 98504-2560

(2) Eligible applicants must complete the program application and provide the department with the following information:

(a) Verification consistent with normal and usual leasing agreements that their business is a going concern;

(b) Verification that they have the ability to adequately insure any equipment they may lease;

(c) A statement declaring their eligibility and intent to participate in the program;

(d) Documentation of their ability to provide the necessary upkeep and maintenance of any equipment they may lease;

(e) A description of the equipment to be leased and its cost;

(f) A description of how the leased equipment will automate their postharvest operation and how it will reduce postharvest labor costs; and

(g) The pounds of asparagus processed for the period of years identified on the application and documentation verifying the pounds processed.

(3) The completed application and the related information (subsection (2) of this section) must be submitted to:

Asparagus Leasing Program

Washington State Department of Agriculture

1111 Washington St. S.E., 2nd Floor

P.O. Box 42560

Olympia, WA 98504-2560