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1997 Session

Budget Bill - HB1600 (Chapter 924)

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Item 109

Item 109

First Year - FY1997Second Year - FY1998
Regulation of Products (55700)$3,704,494$3,704,494
Pesticide Regulation and Applicator Certification (55704)FY1997 $2,265,408FY1998 $2,265,408
Regulation of Agriculturally Related Products (55706)FY1997 $1,439,086FY1998 $1,439,086
Fund Sources:  
GeneralFY1997 $1,072,891FY1998 $1,072,891
SpecialFY1997 $1,728,508FY1998 $1,728,508
Dedicated Special RevenueFY1997 $383,561FY1998 $383,561
Federal TrustFY1997 $519,534FY1998 $519,534

Authority: Title 3.1, Chapters 1, 3, 10 10.1, 11.1, 14, 14.1, 16, 19, 26, 28 28.1, and 29; Title 18.2, Chapter 6; and Title 59.1, Chapter 12, Code of Virginia.


A. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall maintain and operate the state seed laboratory. The laboratory shall provide regulatory testing as provided under the Virginia Seed Law. In addition, the laboratory shall provide testing services to seed growers, dealers, and consumers. The Department may charge a fee for these non-regulatory services.


B. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall conduct a feasibility study of contracting out seed testing services to private laboratories. The study shall include the impact of such a proposal on the Department's ability to enforce the seed laws, as well as the economic impact on seed growers, dealers, and consumers. The Department shall submit the findings of this study by November 15, 1996, to the Governor, the Chairmen of the House Committees on Appropriations and Agriculture, and the Chairmen of the Senate Committees on Finance and Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources.