PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The entire chapter 16-414 WAC, Cherries.
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 agency has conducted a review of entire chapter 16-414 WAC, Cherries, 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 923 coordinates the implementation of state and federal requirements in the marketing of cherries.
Process for Developing New Rule: A rule review of entire chapter 16-414 WAC, Cherries, was conducted in accordance with the 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.
For questions regarding this rule, call Jim Quigley, Program Manager, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program, phone (360) 902-1833.
Comments should be made by May 5, 2000.
March 17, 2000
Robert W. Gore
Assistant Director