WSR 98-23-086

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Filed November 18, 1998, 8:18 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 16-532-020(3) Hop board, board membership qualifications.

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 proposed rule change will clarify the qualifications of hop producers who are also handlers on the board of the Hop Commission.

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 procedures for amending the Hop Commission marketing order will be accomplished in accordance with procedures set forth in the Agricultural Enabling Act of 1961, chapter 15.65 RCW which includes a referendum vote of the growers.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Walter Swenson, Washington Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 902-1928, fax (360) 902-2092; or Ann George, Administrator, Washington Hop Commission, 504 North Naches Avenue #11, Yakima, WA 98901, phone (509) 453-4749, fax (509) 457-8561. A public hearing will be set to give interested parties an opportunity to participate and comment on the proposed amendment.

November 18, 1998

William E. Brookreson

Assistant Director