Washington Administrative Code Title 60 - Beef Commission
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 60 - Beef Commission directly pertains to the Washington State Beef Commission (WSBC), a state agency established by the Washington State Legislature under RCW 16.67.
The WSBC's primary mission, as reflected in these regulations, is to increase demand for beef by enhancing trust and connecting the beef community from "pasture to plate." It is funded by a per-head assessment on all cattle sold in Washington State, as mandated by the Federal Beef Promotion and Research Act & Order and Washington State RCW 16.67.
The regulations within WAC Title 60 are primarily contained within Chapter 60-12 - Washington Beef Commission Act rules. Here's a breakdown of the key areas these rules cover:
Levy of Assessment (§ 60-12-010): This crucial section details the assessment (or "checkoff") collected on cattle sales. Currently, the assessment is $2.50 per head on all Washington cattle sold. It specifies that $2.00 remains in Washington for local beef promotion, research, and consumer education, while $0.50 is forwarded to the Cattlemen's Beef Board for nationwide programs. It also outlines exemptions (e.g., for quick resales where assessment was already paid) and who is responsible for collecting the assessment (typically the buyer or brand inspector).
Collection of Assessment (§ 60-12-020): Provides procedures for how the assessment is collected and remitted to the Washington State Beef Commission.
Refunds (§ 60-12-025): Outlines the process for producers to request a refund of the assessment if they choose not to participate in the checkoff program.
Rules for Implementation of Promotional Hosting (§ 60-12-030): Defines what constitutes "promotional hosting" (e.g., hosting individuals or groups for agricultural development, trade promotion, marketing, or sales of beef products). It sets rules for expenditures related to such hosting, requiring them to be pursuant to approved budget items and outlining who can be hosted (e.g., individuals from private businesses, foreign government officials).
Public Records (§ 60-12-040 to 60-12-100): These sections detail the WSBC's adherence to the Washington Public Records Act, outlining procedures for:
Appointing a public records officer.
Handling requests for public records.
Responding to requests.
Fees for inspection and copying.
Exemptions from disclosure.
Review of denials of public records requests.
Maintaining a records index.
The overall purpose of WAC Title 60 and the Washington State Beef Commission is to:
Fund beef promotion, research, and consumer education activities: This includes initiatives like "Beef. It's What's for Dinner," educational materials for schools, and campaigns promoting the nutritional benefits and responsible production of beef.
Increase demand for beef: By conducting market research and developing strategic marketing plans to target specific consumer groups (e.g., millennial parents).
Enhance trust in beef and beef production: Through communication about responsible beef raising, sustainability, and animal care practices.
Support the economic vitality of Washington's beef industry: By creating a more robust market for beef products, benefiting cattle ranchers, dairy farmers, feeders, livestock markets, and packers.
Ensure transparency and accountability: By detailing how assessments are collected and used, and by adhering to public records laws.
The WSBC is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of representatives from various sectors of the state's beef industry, along with a voting member from the Washington Department of Agriculture.
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