Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 16-470-300 through 16-470-340, onion white rot disease quarantine. The department is proposing to modify the pest-free area for onion white rot disease.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 17.24.041 and chapter 34.05 RCW.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Onion white rot is a potentially devastating fungal disease of the Allium genus (onions, garlic, shallots, and closely related species), which can greatly decrease yields and reduce storage quality. It is spread primarily by movement of contaminated water, soil, and equipment, and by infested Allium plants and plant parts. Once a field is infested, the pathogen remains indefinitely in the soil. In 1985, a quarantine was established to prevent the introduction and spread of the disease into noninfested areas of the state. The affected industry has requested changes to the existing pest-free area in order to adequately protect growers. Changes to the rule may also be proposed for consistency with industry practices, clarity and accuracy.

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

     Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mary A. Martin Toohey, Assistant Director, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail mtoohey@agr.wa.gov; or Tom Wessels, Plant Services Program Manager, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1984, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail twessels@agr.wa.gov.

October 2, 2012

Mary A. Martin Toohey

Assistant Director