PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Create an inspection fee schedule for the "customer assisted inspection program" in chapter 16-400 WAC, Fruit and vegetable inspection fees.
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: With the development of the "customer assisted inspection program," an additional fee schedule category is needed which allows for a reduction in inspection fees. This is due to the fact that the industry is providing personnel to perform inspections with oversight provided by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, fruit and vegetable inspection program.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Discussions and focus group sessions will be held with industry groups and stakeholders throughout the state.
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, 1111 Washington Street, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1833, fax (360) 902-2085.
May 21, 2001
Robert W. Gore
Assistant Director