WSR 98-23-087

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Filed November 18, 1998, 8:19 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-561 WAC, Washington Red Raspberry Commission, rules of the commission.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 15.65.280, 15.65.380 and WAC 16-561-020 (10)(k).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The rule will establish grades and standards in packaging and labeling to ensure proper use of product in preparation for processing and marketing. The provisions for the rules are provided for in WAC 16-561-030(3).

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 adoption of the rule will be accomplished in compliance with the provisions of the Agricultural Enabling Act of 1961, chapter 15.65 RCW and the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Anne Seeger, Executive Director, Washington Red Raspberry Commission, 1323 Lincoln Street, Bellingham, WA 98226, phone (360) 671-1437, fax (360) 738-8069; or 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 rules.

November 18, 1998

Walter Swenson

Agricultural Programs Administrator