PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Establishment of an additional assessment for special projects on all commercial cherry and stone fruit produced in the state, pursuant to RCW 15.26.150. Establishment of the assessment requires approval by a majority of the cherry and stone fruit producers voting and will be conducted by the Washington state department of agriculture.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 15.26.150.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The assessment for special projects would provide funding for the establishment of contractual endowments with Washington State University to permanently expand and enhance the institution's capability to conduct research of specific interest to cherry and stone fruit producers in Washington state.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Washington tree fruit research commission will coordinate with the Washington state fruit commission to collect the additional assessment if approved by referendum.
Process for Developing New Rule: The Washington tree fruit research commission will develop the rule proposal and will communicate with stakeholders regarding the proposal. Interested parties can participate in the public hearing/public comment process.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting James R. McFerson, Manager, Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, 1719 Springwater Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801, phone (509) 665-8271 ext. 1, fax (509) 663-5827, e-mail mcferson@treefruitresearch.com.
July 26, 2012
James R. McFerson
Manager