Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-390 WAC, Fruit and vegetable inspection fees and other charges. The department of agriculture (department) is considering rule making to increase program fees and revise the fee structure to more accurately reflect the scope of services provided including, but not limited to, adding fees for services that are not specifically identified in current rule.

The department may also consider revising the language to increase clarity and readability and to conform with current industry practices and needs.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: RCW 15.17.150 authorizes the department to establish fees that are necessary to recover the costs of providing inspection, certification, or other requested services. Based on a recent budget review, it was determined that some of the current fees are not fully recovering the cost of providing services.

Increasing some of the program fees is necessary for the program to maintain financial stability while continuing to provide services described and provided for in chapter 15.17 RCW.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Rachel Furth, Management Analyst 5, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-764-9931, fax 360-902-2085, TTY 800-833-6388, email RFurth@agr.wa.gov, website https://agr.wa.gov/LawsRules/Rulemaking; or Robert Newell, Program Manager, 21 North 1st Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902, phone 509-952-6737, fax 509-575-2537, TTY 800-833-6388, email rnewell@agr.wa.gov, website https://agr.wa.gov/services/inspections-and-investigations/inspections/fruit-and-vegetable.