WSR 97-08-083
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[Filed April 2, 1997, 10:48 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 16-536-040, consider the petition from the industry to increase the assessment on all varieties of dry peas and lentils from one percent of net receipts at final point of sale to two percent.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Washington State Enabling Act of 1961, Commodity Boards, chapter 15.65 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The dry pea and lentil industry faces reduced federal funding in the area of research and market development. Without an assessment increase, the industry may lose its entire research program and its competitive position in the domestic and export markets.
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 amendment of a marketing order shall be accomplished according to the procedures set forth in chapter 15.65 RCW, Washington State Enabling Act of 1961, which includes conducting a referendum vote of the affected producers.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. A public hearing will be set to give interested parties an opportunity to participate and comment on the proposed marketing order. Contact Walter Swenson, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1928, FAX (360) 902-2089; or Tim McGreevy, Washington Dry Pea and Lentil Commission, 5071 Highway 8 West, Moscow, ID 83843, phone (208) 882-3023, FAX (208) 882-6406.
April 2, 1997
William E. Brookreson
Assistant Director
Agency Operations