Panel backs adding juice grapes to state agricultural bargaining law

The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard Feb. 18 on Senate Bill 5816, which would add juice grapes to the list of agricultural products covered by Washington’s Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act.

Rebecca Lewis, committee staff, explained the act allows eligible producer associations to be accredited by the Department of Agriculture as exclusive negotiating agents for a negotiating unit and establishes negotiation timelines (for example, negotiations must begin at least 60 days before normal harvest and conclude within 30 days after). The bill would apply those rules to juice grapes.

Sen. Nikki Torres (prime sponsor) told the committee a constituent asked her to carry the bill. “SB 5816 helps restore balance and fairness by ensuring Washington families and farms are competing on an equal playing field,” Torres said, adding the approach mirrors protections already used for pears, sweet corn and potatoes.

The committee had no substantive questions and suspended the public hearing after staff and sponsor remarks. A single virtual pro testifier failed to connect; staff noted pro 47, con 1 on the sign-in record.

No vote occurred during the hearing; the committee will consider the bill later in the session.