On Monday, May 10, Governor Locke signed legislation that will broaden the original mandate of the Washington State Commission on Pesticide Registration, established in 1995 for the purpose of conducting studies and other activities that will result in pesticide registrations for minor uses. As of July 1, 1999, the Commission will receive an additional $1 million per biennium (for a total of $1 million per year) to continue its original mission and for its new, broader mandate to support research, implementation, and demonstration of any aspect of integrated pest management and pesticide resistance management.

Representative Gary Chandler, author of the original bill that created the Commission reviews the progression. "Four years ago under the original funding of the Commission, the intent was to work toward re-registering pesticides. Now, with this additional $1 million to be spent over the next two years, we take it a step further in looking for alternatives to some pesticides. This not only ensures farmers will continue to produce a safe food supply, but lessens some of the demands on them as well."

"We are pleased that the Governor endorsed our initiative and are eager to employ the expanded mandate to the benefit of Washington agriculture," commented Tedd Wildman, WSCPR Chair. "The Commission’s track record is remarkable; we have funded over 160 projects on commodities ranging from peas to honey bees to oysters. Approximately $2 million of matching funds have supplemented WSCPR awards for a total of almost $4 million dedicated to crop protection research over the past five years. The dollar value of emergency exemptions supported by WSCPR efforts alone was in excess of $100 million in both 1997 and 1998. Lawmakers and the public have every reason to expect similar results as the Commission carries out the new duties."

Ann George, Washington Hop Commission Administrator and WSCPR Commissioner is enthusiastic about what the Commission can now offer. "This will be a tremendous opportunity for minor crops in the state. WSCPR will be able assist in developing more effective and environmentally sound integrated pest management systems that would otherwise have been unfeasible due to economic constraints."

Alan Schreiber, WSCPR Administrator since the Commission’s inception in 1995, summarizes, "There are few bright spots for agriculture these days. It is encouraging to see that our state’s legislature has the foresight and understanding to address the challenges we face. Growers, processors, consumers—everybody benefits—from the significant increase of WSCPR responsibilities."

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