Section 16-557-030. Marketing order purposes.

The order is to promote the general welfare of the state, to enable producers of asparagus to help themselves establish orderly, fair, sound, efficient, unhampered marketing; facilitate cultural and harvesting improvements, and regulate unfair trade practices within the industry. To carry out the purposes of the order, the board may provide for a program in one or more of the following areas:

(1) Establish plans and conduct programs for advertising, sales, promotion, and/or other programs for maintaining present markets and/or creating new or larger markets for asparagus. Such programs shall be directed toward increasing the sale of asparagus without reference to any particular brand or trade name and shall neither make use of false or unwarranted claims in behalf of asparagus nor disparage the quality, value, sale, or use of any other agricultural commodity.

(2) Provide for research in the production, processing, and/or marketing of asparagus and expend the necessary funds for such purposes. Insofar as practicable, such research shall be carried on by Washington State University, but if in the judgment of the board, said university does not have the facilities for a particular project or if some other research agency has better facilities therefor, the project may be carried out by other research agencies selected by the board.

(3) Investigate and take necessary action to prevent unfair trade practices as set forth in RCW 15.65.340 and to correct where possible, trade practices which hinder marketing of Washington asparagus.

(4) Prohibit making or publishing false or misleading advertising. Such regulation may authorize uniform trade practices applicable to all similarly situated handlers and/or other persons.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 15.65.050 and chapter 15.65 RCW. WSR 91-09-003, § 16-557-030, filed 4/4/91, effective 5/5/91.]

RCW 15.65.050 and chapter 15.65 RCW. WSR 91-09-003, § 16-557-030, filed 4/4/91, effective 5/5/91.