WSR 02-03-128

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


[ Filed January 23, 2002, 10:01 a.m. ]

     Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 16-403-190 Tolerances, establish 10% firmness tolerance for Jonagold and Gala apple varieties.

     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 establishment of pressure standards for Jonagold and Gala varieties of apples will provide the consumer with a high degree of firmness and crisper apple.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Develop rule with input from various industry associations.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jim Quigley, Program Manager, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, (360) 902-1833, (360) 902-2085.

January 22, 2002

Robert W. Gore

Assistant Director

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