Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Washington Agricultural Enabling Act, chapter 15.65 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The rule change will amend the raspberry marketing order and allow the board of the Raspberry Commission to adopt rules providing for uniform grades and standards.

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 to the raspberry marketing order shall be accomplished according to procedures set forth in chapter 15.65 RCW, Washington State Agricultural 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 Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1928, FAX (360) 902-2092. A public hearing will be set to give interested parties an opportunity to participate and comment on the proposed marketing order.

June 17, 1998

William E. Brookreson

Assistant Director

Agency Operations