ODA REPORT

Civil Penalty Rules Advisory Committee: The RAC has met 4 times since December and has drafted a rule and penalty matrix. A public comment period will open in April, and the rule is expected to go into effect before July 1. The RAC includes representatives from Oregon Seed Association, Oregon Seed Council, Willamette Valley Specialty Seed Association, Oregon Grass Seed Bargaining Association, OSU Seed Certification, testing labs, growers, and conditioners.

Kentucky 31 Investigation: ODA is working through the contested case hearing process, as well as continuing to review additional lots related to the investigation.

Oregon Import Seed Quarantine Program: ODA has sent a letter of support of the program to  USDA and Customs & Border Patrol. ASTA is working with U.S. House and Senate offices to draft and promote legislative language to extend the program, and may also schedule meetings on the Hill to identify with legislators the need to keep this program.