Washington Administrative Code Title 60 - Beef Commission
Overview
WAC Title 60 contains the rules of the Washington State Beef Commission, which was created to support and promote the state’s beef industry.
The Beef Commission is a producer-funded agency established under state law. Its primary purpose is to promote beef, improve demand, conduct research, provide consumer education, and represent the interests of cattle producers in Washington.
The rules in Title 60 outline the structure, powers, funding, and programs of the Commission.
Key Areas of WAC Title 60
1. Organization and Governance
Explains the creation and authority of the Beef Commission.
Defines the role of the board of directors, which typically includes cattle producers, feeders, and sometimes public representatives.
Outlines how commissioners are appointed, terms of service, meetings, and duties.
2. Funding – Beef Checkoff Assessments
Establishes a mandatory assessment (checkoff fee) collected on the sale of cattle in Washington.
This fee funds Commission activities, such as promotion, research, and consumer education.
Provides rules on how assessments are collected, reported, and enforced.
3. Beef Promotion and Education
Rules governing advertising and marketing programs to increase beef consumption.
Consumer education efforts about nutrition, cooking, and safe beef handling.
Partnerships with schools, food service, and grocery industries.
4. Research Programs
Authorizes the Commission to fund scientific research related to beef production, animal health, and nutrition.
Encourages projects that improve production efficiency, sustainability, and food safety.
5. Compliance and Enforcement
Outlines penalties for failing to pay assessments or violating Commission rules.
Provides audit authority to ensure proper collection and use of funds.
6. Reports and Accountability
Requires the Commission to maintain transparent financial records.
Annual reporting obligations to the state and stakeholders.
Rules for budget preparation and approval.
Purpose of Title 60
The Beef Commission’s rules exist to:
Strengthen the economic position of Washington’s beef industry.
Build consumer trust through education and promotion.
Support research that benefits producers and consumers.
Ensure fair funding through uniform cattle assessments.
Practical Impact
Cattle Producers: Must pay the required assessment and may have representation on the Commission.
Consumers: Benefit from educational programs, recipes, nutritional information, and assurance about beef quality.
Industry: Gains marketing support, market expansion efforts, and scientific research funded by the Commission.
✅ In short: WAC Title 60 – Beef Commission provides the legal framework for how Washington’s beef industry organizes funding through cattle assessments, promotes beef, conducts research, and educates the public while ensuring accountability and fair governance.
RELATED Blog
0 comments