PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The entire chapter 16-445 WAC, Standards for Italian prunes.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 15.17 RCW, Standards of grades and packs.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department has conducted a review of entire chapter 16-445 WAC, Standards for Italian prunes, under the provisions of the Governor's Executive Order 97-02, and has determined that the rule is necessary and should be retained. This rule currently meets the needs of the industry.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: USDA Federal Marketing Order Number 924 coordinates the implementation of state and federal requirements in the marketing of Italian prunes.
Process for Developing New Rule: A rule review was conducted in accordance with Governor's Executive Order 97-02.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. The department is seeking input on its decision to retain the rule. You may comment by writing to Washington State Department of Agriculture, Administrative Regulations Unit, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, fax (360) 902-2092. Comments should be made by March 3, 2000.
For questions regarding this rule, call Jim Quigley, Program Manager, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program, phone (360) 902-1833.
January 18, 2000
Robert W. Gore
Assistant Director