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

Statehood

1860 1870 1880 1890 Population 11,594 23,955 75,116 349,390

Farms 1,350 3,127 6,529 18,056 Acres in farms 366,156 649,139 1,409,421 4,179,190 Ave Farm size 271 208 216 231

Pop/Farm Ratio 8.6 7.7 11.5 19.4

November 11, 1889 – Washington Becomes the 42nd 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.

1895 – 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…

From Whence We Came…

November 11, 1889 – Washington Becomes the 42nd 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 1895 -1907

1913 - 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 1916

1913 - 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. PerkinsCommissioner of

Agriculture

34 staff -- $195,000 biennial appropriation

1921 - 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