PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The entire chapter 16-436 WAC, Washington standards for peaches.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 15.17 RCW, Standards of grades and packs.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department has conducted a review of the above-mentioned rule under the provisions of the Governor's Executive Order 97-02 and has determined that the rule is necessary and should be retained. This rule was reviewed and revised in May 1992, to maintain inspection requirements of peaches handled in the state in lieu of the suspension of the federal marketing order for peaches. This rule is current and meets the needs of the industry.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: A rules review was conducted in accordance with the Governor's Executive Oder 97-02. Results of this review will be shared with representatives of the rule stakeholders for input.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. The department is seeking input on its decision to retain the rule. You may comment by writing to Washington State Department of Agriculture, Administrative Regulations Unit, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, fax (360) 902-2092. Comments should be made by May 22, 1999.
For questions regarding this rule, call Jim Quigley, Program Manager, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program, phone (360) 902-1833.
April 6, 1999
Robert W. Gore
Assistant Director