Washington · statute · Wash. Rev. Code ch. 15.83 · 13 active provisions
Agricultural products are produced by many individual farmers and ranchers located throughout the state. The efficient production and marketing of agricultural products by farmers, ranchers, and handlers is of vital concern to the welfare and general economy of the state. It is the purpose of this chapter to establish…
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.(1) "Accredited association of producers" means an association of producers which is accredited by the director to be the exclusive negotiation agent for all producer members of the association within a negotiati…
(1) An association of producers may file an application with the director:(a) Requesting accreditation to serve as the exclusive negotiating agent on behalf of its producer members who are within a proposed negotiating unit with respect to any qualified commodity;(b) Describing geographical boundaries of the proposed n…
It shall be unlawful for any handler to engage, or permit any employee or agent to engage, in the following practices:(1) To refuse to negotiate with an association of producers accredited under RCW 15.83.020 with respect to any qualified commodity: PROVIDED, That the obligation to negotiate does not require either par…
It shall be unlawful for any accredited association of producers or members of such association to engage, or permit any employee or agent to engage, in the following practices:(1) To refuse to negotiate with a handler for any qualified commodity for which the association is accredited under RCW 15.83.020;(2) To coerce…
(1) If any person is charged with violating any provision of this chapter, the director shall investigate the charges. If, upon investigation, the director has reasonable cause to believe that the person charged has violated the provision, the director shall issue and cause to be served upon the person, a complaint sta…
If required to carry out the objectives of this chapter, including the conduct of any investigations or hearing:(1) The director shall require any person to:(a) Establish and maintain records;(b) Make reports; and(c) Provide other information as may be reasonably required.(2) Any person subject to the provisions of thi…
A person injured in his or her business or property by reason of any violation of or conspiracy to violate RCW 15.83.030 or 15.83.040 may sue in a court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which such violation occurred without respect to the amount in controversy, and shall recover damages sustained, including r…
A person who violates RCW 15.83.030 or 15.83.040 may be assessed a civil penalty by the director of not more than five thousand dollars for each offense. No civil penalty may be assessed unless the person charged has been given notice and opportunity for a hearing pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW. In determining the amoun…
The director or any aggrieved producer, accredited association, or handler may bring an action to enjoin the violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulation made pursuant to this chapter in a court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which such violation occurs or is about to occur.
The director may promulgate such rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, and orders, as may be necessary to carry out this chapter.
The director shall establish an advisory committee consisting of the following persons: Six producers who are producers from names submitted by an association of producers, and six handlers subject to this chapter from names submitted by handlers. The advisory committee shall study and report on all issues related to t…
This chapter may be known and cited as the agricultural marketing and fair practices act.