PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 16-302-070, the department is considering amending seed certification rules to provide clarity as to what constitutes a unit of certification in regards to the borders of a seed field. Additionally the proposed amendments will address the inclusion of areas surrounding a field into inspection for certification according to specific crop standards.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 15.49.310, 15.49.370 (3), (4), and chapter 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department has been requested by the Washington State Crop Improvement Association (WSCIA) to amend seed certification standards to provide clarity in regards to the definition of a field. Additionally the department is amending the seed certification rules to include areas of surveillance that surround a seed field as part of the inspection area.
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 Washington department of agriculture staff will develop the specific rule proposal. The proposed language and rule amendments will be presented to the WSCIA, state seed organizations and individual seed company representatives to solicit input and ensure broad based notification.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Fawad Shah, WSDA, Seed Program, 21 North 1st Avenue, Suite 203, Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 249-6950, e-mail Fshah@agr.wa.gov.
December 2, 2009
Kennith R. Harden
Acting Assistant Director