Centennial 2013 A century of supporting the agricultural community and promoting consumer and environmental protection WSDA Then and Now June 10, 2013

Support of agriculture important from Washington’s earliest days as a territory During the Territorial Assembly’s first meeting in 1854, laws were passed:  relative to weights and measures  regulating the rates of toll for grinding grain  to provide against dangerous and vicious cattle  making it an offense to mark other person’s livestock with your brand

Territorial government developed with the growth of population and agriculture

November 11, 1889 – Washington Becomes the 42 nd state 1891 – Board of Horticulture created To prevent the spread of fruit pests and diseases Appoint “Inspector of Fruit Pests” to: – See that regulations for inspection and disinfection of anything that may spread contagious diseases among fruit and fruit trees are made known – Inspect orchards, nurseries and other places suspected of infestation – Direct treatment of infected materials, engage court if necessary – Office of State Veterinarian created To protect against contagious and infectious animal diseases Vested in the Professor of Veterinary Science, Pullman 1895 – Office of State Grain Inspector created To supervise and have exclusive control of weighing and grading of grain received in carload lots for milling or export. Headquartered in Tacoma 1895 – State Dairy Commissioner position created To protect against impure, unhealthful, adulterated and counterfeit products. By 1903, Dairy, Food and Oil Commissioner From Whence We Came…

November 11, 1889 – Washington Becomes the 42 nd state 1891 – Board of Horticulture created To prevent the spread of fruit pests and diseases Appoint “Inspector of Fruit Pests” to: – See that regulations for inspection and disinfection of anything that may spread contagious diseases among fruit and fruit trees are made known – Inspect orchards, nurseries and other places suspected of infestation – Direct treatment of infected materials, engage court if necessary. New provisions to prevent pest introductions – Plant shippers and sellers must be licensed (Nursery Licensing begins) – Licensees must notify Board of all shipments at least 24 hours in advance – Any imported plant material infested with any injurious insect shall be disinfected, cost charged to owner Quarantine authority added; penalty provisions Each board member is “Inspector of Fruit Pests,” may employ deputies in each county. Inspecting fruits and vegetables Licensing commission merchants Regulating the quality of pesticides Providing education and advice to fruit growers Added and Expanded Duties

A Time of Political Turmoil Gov. Lister acknowledged that public opinion clearly indicated that public officials follow progressive lines both in general legislation and in the managing the state. “…and that the cost of operating the various departments of the state government be kept down to the lowest possible point consistent with an efficient administration of affairs…” Capitol Building, Olympia 1916 Governor Ernest Lister

Capitol Building, Olympia A Time for Efficiency in Government Inaugural Address of Gov. Lister, January 1913 “Our statutes now provide for a State Dairy and Food Commissioner, a State Commissioner of Horticulture, a State Veterinarian, an Inspector of Oils, and a State Grain Inspector…. … I am of the opinion that the position of Commissioner of Agriculture and Inspection could be created and the duties of the five commissioners placed in his charge. By following this plan, we would have a central authority and would materially reduce the offices charges. To my mind the greater saving could be made in the reduction of the number of deputies required and I feel sure the efficiency of the departmental work would be increased.” Governor Ernest Lister

1913 – Department of Agriculture is formed Brings together nine areas of responsibility related to agriculture  Dairy and Food Commissioner  Commissioner of Horticulture  State Veterinarian  Inspector of Oils  State Grain Inspector  Bakery Inspection  Washington State Fair  Feed  Fertilizer  Jacks and Stallions Registration Department of Agriculture created 1896, Horse show at state fairgrounds, North Yakima J.H. Perkins Commissioner of Agriculture 34 staff -- $195,000 biennial appropriation

WSDA Duties Expanded More than 60 boards, bureaus, commissions and divisions were combined into 10 major departments. WSDA duties were expanded to include: – Grain and Hay Inspection (from the Public Service Commission) – Licensing of grain warehouses (from the Public Service Commission) – Bureau of Farm Marketing (from WSC) – Weights and Measures (from Secretary of State) – Authority to adopt a state noxious weed list An ACT relating to, and to promote efficiency, order and economy in, the administration of the government of the state…

WSDA responds to the times Duties and responsibilities added over the last 90 years – 1930s: Recorder of Livestock Brands, Livestock Inspection, Apiary Inspection, the first of many commodity commissions – 1940s-60s: Regulation of economic poisons (pesticides) – 1980s: Market Development, Organic Food Certification – 1990s: Motor Fuel Quality – Last 10 years: Dairy Nutrient Management, Specialty Crop Block Grant, Bioenergy, Food Assistance

WSDA continues to evolve In response to changes in agriculture and the world around us – Laws have been amended numerous times – Priorities and activities change Goals remain consistent – Protect public health by assuring a safe food supply. – Ensure safe use of pesticides and fertilizers. – Protect state from plant & animal pests & diseases. – Facilitate movement of agricultural products in domestic & international markets