PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Establishing rules relating to the certification of blueberry planting stock.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 15.14 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Currently no rules are in place regarding the certification of blueberry planting stock in Washington state. Possible advent of new plant pests or more virulent strains of existing pests may create industry need for planting stock certified to an established standard. Certified planting stock usually commands a market premium, and certified stock is the only planting stock eligible for export to many nations.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Washington State Department of Agriculture representatives discuss proposed rule changes with the Washington Blueberry Commission, Washington State University Extension Service personnel with expertise in this area and stakeholders and then publish the rule proposal.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Tom Wessels, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Laboratory Services Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-201984 [902-1984], fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail TWessels@agr.wa.gov.
January 23, 2001
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director