AH

WSR 97-17-063

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Filed August 18, 1997, 10:45 a.m.]

Continuance of WSR 97-11-084.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 96-15-138.

Title of Rule: New chapter 16-573 WAC, Canola and Rapeseed Commission.

Purpose: Establish a commodity commission to represent canola and rapeseed growers in the state of Washington with the authority to collect assessments to carry out activities in promotion, research, public information programs, establishing grades and standards, and to take necessary action to prevent unfair trade practices.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 15.65.050.

Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 15.65 RCW.

Summary: The new rule will create the Canola and Rapeseed Commission consisting of an eight member board to carry out activities in the promotion, research, public information programs, establishing grades and standards and to take necessary action to prevent unfair trade practices.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Agricultural industry groups may petition the director of agriculture to form an agricultural commodity commission in compliance with chapter 15.65 RCW. The issuance of a marketing order must be approved by a vote of the growers. The cost of all programs in marketing and research conducted by the commission are borne by the affected producers.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Walter Swenson, 1111 Washington, 2nd Floor, Olympia, WA, (360) 902-1928.

Date of Intended Adoption: January 31, 1997 [1998].

August 14, 1997

William E. Brookreson