PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-160 WAC, Registration of materials for organic production.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 15.86 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Revision of chapter 16-160 WAC is needed to:
1. Provide further clarification for application requirements for the brand name registration program.
2. Clarify the requirements for inspections.
3. Clarify record-keeping requirements.
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 state department of agriculture staff will develop the rule proposal and will communicate with stakeholders. This rule is being developed in conjunction with the organic advisory boards. These meetings are open to the public.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Martin Beagle, WSDA Organic Program Manager, 1111 Washington Street, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, mbeagle@agr.wa.gov, (360) 902-1924, fax (360) 902-2087. Public hearings will be held.
April 20, 2010
Robert W. Gore
Deputy Director