WSR 97-10-098
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[Filed May 7, 1997, 11:39 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-580 WAC, consider the petition from the industry to reduce the assessment rate on farmed salmon and reduce board membership from six to five.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Washington State Agricultural 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 rule change is necessary because of changes in the economics and structure of the farmed salmon industry in the state.
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 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 by contacting Walter Swenson, Agricultural Programs Administrator, Washington State Department of Agriculture, 1111 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1928, FAX (360) 902-2089. A publication will be set to give interested parties an opportunity to participate and comment on the proposed rule change.
May 7, 1997
William E. Brookreson
Assistant Director
Agency Operations