PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 16-302-225 Land requirements for alfalfa seed.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 15.49.310 and chapter 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This proposal is in response to industry request to modify the certification standards for alfalfa seed production. This will simplify the language restricting the length of time between plantings of different varieties that differ in dormancy ratings. This will align the language in Washington's certification rules to match that of neighboring states.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: The Washington state department of agriculture staff will develop the specific rule proposal. In turn, seed industry representatives and the advisory committee will review and comment on the proposed rule amendments. Interested parties can participate in the public hearing/public comment process, the dates of which will be announced when the department files the rule proposal with the code reviser.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Fawad Shah, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Seed Program, 21 North 1st Avenue, Suite 203, Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 225-2636, e-mail Fshah@agr.wa.gov.
February 28, 2006
Robert W. Gore
Assistant Director