WSR 97-24-112

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

(Fruit Commission)

[Filed December 3, 1997, 11:30 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Increase the maximum allowable assessment rate on fresh Bartlett pears from $11.36 to $18.00 per 2000 pounds.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 15.28 RCW, Washington State Fruit Commission, and chapter 303, Laws of 1997.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The Washington State Fruit Commission collects assessments on soft tree fruits, including Bartlett pears, to fund advertising and promotion programs. The cost of conducting the programs for fresh pears has increased substantially since the current assessment rate went into effect over ten years ago. The assessment rate increase is necessary to maintain and expand markets for Bartlett pears grown in Washington.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: Adoption of the rule is subject to approval by a majority of the affected producers voting in a referendum conducted by the Department of Agriculture.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Public hearings will be held to give interested parties the opportunity to participate and comment on the proposed rule. Contact Ken Severn, President, Washington State Fruit Commission, 105 South 18th Street, #205, Yakima, WA 98901, phone (509) 453-4837, FAX (509) 453-4880.

December 3, 1997

Kenneth F. Severn, President