bruce chandler

By a 12-2 vote Wednesday, the Washington House Ag Committee voted to approve HB 2696 to the floor for a full vote.  According to legislation author Tom Dent, the bill addresses meat and poultry misbranding.  Dent said he’s not opposed to alternative proteins in the marketplace, but he wants consumers to know what they are purchasing.   “If it...

The state House in Olympia passed legislation Wednesday to eliminate the state Department of Agriculture's livestock inspection program.  House Bill 2075, sponsored by Granger Republican Bruce Chandler, provides direction to WSDA how to close the branding program.  He...

Legislation introduced by state Representative Bill Jenkin extending the Walla Walla Watershed pilot appears to be on the path for passage.  House Bill 1013, expands the pilot program through 2021.  It also requires the local Management Board to complete financial and performance audits with the state Department of Ecology on past performance by the end of the year.   ...

A public-private partnership established to promote the state’s local food system continues to grow in popularity.  Washington state Representative Bruce Chandler says the Food Policy Forum was established not only to increase the availability of locally grown foods, but also help smaller farmers find viable business plans to keep their land rural.   “...

Now that the Hirst Decision has been addressed in Olympia, what is the top agriculture issue before Washington lawmakers.  If you ask Granger Republican Bruce Chandler, he says ensuring a safe food supply is tops on the list.  The Yakima Valley fruit grower told the Washington Ag Network looking ahead to 2018, he believes ensuring the Washington State Department of Agriculture has the needed peopl

If you ask state Representative Bruce Chandler, he’ll tell you the issue with the greatest impact on rural Washington is the Hirst Decision.  So far this session, several prices of legislation have been drafted to address the October ruling, but he told the Washington Ag Network Senator Judy Warnick’s bill has the best chance of moving on to the Governor.  Chandler said ...

A bill that supporters say would ensure seed purity in Washington is currently sitting in the state House.  Legislation crafted by Senator Judy Warnick, requires seed contracts of $2,500 in value or greater to be verified by the WSDA.  Representative Bruce Chandler said Washington growers became concerned after seeds in Oregon, including Marijuana, were compromised.   “...

Legislation in Olympia creating the Aquatic Species Management Account is spinning it’s tires in the state House.  Chief Sponsor of the legislation Bruce Chandler told the Washington Ag Network the bill will set aside funds to remove aggressive invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels.  Chandler...