Frequently Asked Questions

Agricultural statistics

• What are Washington's top crops and commodities?

The top five commodities are apples, milk, wheat, potatoes and hay. Information on Washington's agricultural production, including the state's top 40 agricultural commodities, latest crop, livestock and economic estimates, is by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service [external link], Washington Field Office.

WSDA has compiled a summary and map of Washington's top crops and the state's food processing industries. USDA developed the Pride of Washington State [PDF 305kB] brochure based on the federal agency's data from October of previous year Top Forty Agricultural Commodities, WA, 2010-2012 [PDF 42kB] list and Value of Washington's 2012 Agricultural Production Surpasses Previous Year's Record High [PDF 43kB] press release.

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Animals (moving pets, horses; branding livestock)

• I'm moving to Washington State and want to bring my pet dog/cat. What are the documents and vaccinations I need?

Dogs, cats, or ferrets entering Washington state require a certificate of veterinary inspection. The certificate of veterinary inspection for dogs, cats, or ferrets must identify each animal and certify that each animal at the time of entry is current on rabies vaccination according to the manufacturer's label, and does not originate from an area under quarantine for rabies. Dogs six months of age or older must be tested negative for heartworm or are currently on a heartworm preventative.

Exemptions to import health requirements. Dogs, cats, or ferrets less than ninety days of age do not require a rabies vaccination. Dogs, cats, or ferrets that are family pets and have current rabies vaccination certificates and are traveling with their owners with no sale, trade, or other change of ownership intended are exempt from a certificate of veterinary inspection. Exemptions to import test requirements. Dogs that have been owned by the same owner for more than one month prior to entering the state, and are not going to be sold or have a change of ownership, and are traveling with their owner are exempt from the heartworm test requirement.

For import or export requirements of animals to/from a foreign country go to USDA import/export Website at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_imports_states.shtml [external link]

• What is required to bring my horse to Washington?

Domestic equine includes horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies and must have an official health certificate or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 30 days of shipment. A negative Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test (Coggins test) is required within twelve months prior to entry. Equines under six months of age are exempt if accompanying a negative dam, as are equines consigned for immediate slaughter, and equines consigned to a veterinary clinic that will return to the state of origin following treatment or surgery.

A permit number is required if using the Equine Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and Interstate Movement Permit (horse six month passport). Brand laws within the state of origin must be followed.

• What about "exotic" animals. Are they allowed?

You should check with your county government to see if exotic animals such as bobcats and lynxes are allowed. Some counties do not allow residents to have "big cats" or other exotics. And, state Department of Health regulations do not permit personal ownership of animals such as skunks, coyotes, foxes, and raccoons due to concerns over rabies. The State Department of Fish and Wildlife has jurisdiction over animals such as bear, deer and elk.

Wild and exotic animals that are allowed, must have an official health Certificate or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 30 days of shipment. It must be prepared for the animal prior to entry into Washington state and be issued by a licensed, accredited veterinarian. The certificate must list:

• Common and scientific names of the animals
• Number of animals
• Appropriate description of animals by criteria such as sex, age, weight, coloration
• Permanent individual animal identification
• Date of anticipated shipment
• Name and address of consignor and receiver
• Origin of shipment
• Signature of veterinarian and owner or agent
• Permit number issued by the WA State Veterinarian prior to shipment

Please call (360)902-1878 for testing requirements that need to be completed before entering the state. Call this number also to find out what animals are prohibited for ownership in the state.

• How can I receive Animal Health Alerts?

View our PDF document at http://agr.wa.gov/FP/Forms/AS/3065-WashingtonStateAnimalHealthNetworkApp.pdf

• How do I record a livestock brand?

Visit our Website at http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/Livestock/RecordorRenewaBrand.aspx for complete instructions on recording a livestock brand. The $120.00 fee is for a four year renewal cycle. The next renewal cycle will begin January 1, 2015.

• Where do I find information on Livestock Identification Devices in Washington State?

Visit our Website at http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalID/tags.aspx for more information.

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Bottled water regulation

• Who regulates bottled water in Washington?

Bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Bottlers are subject to Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 129 -- Processing and Bottling of Bottled Drinking Water; CFR 165.110 -- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) part 110; plus Washington state laws on food processing in general. Bottlers conduct bacteriological, chemical, physical and radiological testing and the water must come from an approved source. For more information email foodsafety@agr.wa.gov

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Commodity Commissions (apples, asparagus, beef, etc.)

The Washington State Department of Agriculture coordinates certain activities for the state's 23 commodity commissions. The commissions voluntarily organize to promote crops and agricultural commodities. Click here for a list of commissions and contact information.

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Contact information for WSDA

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is headquartered in Olympia with program offices in Yakima and a number of other communities across the state. Check our "Who to Contact" sheet [PDF] for brief descriptions of WSDA programs and who to contact for information about each.

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Employment opportunities

• Where can I get employment information at the Washington State Department of Agriculture?

Visit our employment page at http://agr.wa.gov/employment

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Fairs

• Where can I find information about state fairs in Washington?

Visit the Washington State Department of Agriculture Website at http://agr.wa.gov/Marketing/AgFairs

For more information about state fairs go to the Washington State Fairs Association at http://www.wastatefairs.com [external link]

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Fertilizers (metals, regulatory functions)

• The label on my fertilizer directs me to your website on metals in fertilizer. Where can I get more information?

The product database at http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/Fertilizers/ProductDatabase.aspx has this information.

The fertilizer products in the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) database are registered for distribution in Washington. Two major pieces of information in the database are the nutrient guarantees and the levels of nine metals found in the product. The "Total Metals in Product" is the concentration of each listed metal found using the analysis required by WSDA. If you find the product in this database it means it is registered, has passed the heavy metals standards for Washington state, and has correct information on the label.

You can also check the website of the manufacturer for information on the product, including information from their Material Data Safety Sheets. For more information on this topic see http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/Fertilizers/Metals.aspx

• How do you regulate commercial fertilizers?

The Washington State Department of Agriculture regulates fertilizers under our Pesticide Management Division. Information on commercial fertilizers and our compliance efforts is available at http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/Fertilizers

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Firewood complaints

• What if I have a complaint regarding firewood?

Washington law requires wood sellers to provide a receipt that shows the name and address of both the buyer and seller and the date delivered. The invoice should state the price, the quantity delivered, the quantity upon which the price is based, and the type and quality of the wood. The legal measure for firewood in Washington is the cord or fraction of a cord. A cord is 128 cubic feet. If there is a problem, contact the seller before burning any wood. For assistance call WSDA at (360)902-1857 or email wtsmeasures@agr.wa.gov

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Food and agricultural marketing

• Where can I find a list of suppliers of Washington foods and agricultural commodities?

The Washington State Department of Agriculture maintains a searchable database of food and agriculture suppliers.

• Where can I get marketing assistance for agriculture and food products?

The International Marketing Program at the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) assists Washington food and agricultural companies with exporting their products to international markets. Visit the program's website at http://agr.wa.gov/Marketing for information.

A great source of information on selling food products in Washington is available in the Direct Marketing Handbook published by WSDA.

• Where can I find resources to help me export my products to foreign markets?

Go to the International Marketing Program Contact List for more information.

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Food processing licenses

• How do I apply for a food processing license? Where do I go to get the application?

You may download a WSDA application and review our handbook from our Web site at http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/FoodProcessors

You may contact our Food Safety Program staff for one-on-one technical advice even before you fill out your paperwork. For more information email foodsafety@agr.wa.gov or call (360)902-1876.

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Food products & raw milk

• I am buying raw milk through a "Cow Share" or "Farm Share" program. Should I be concerned if the farmer is not licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)?

Yes. The farmer needs to obtain a milk producer and milk processing license to sell raw milk or pasteurized milk through a cow share or farm share agreement. Raw milk is a potentially hazardous food product because of its ability to support illness-causing pathogen growth. Licensing services include technical assistance and inspections of the farm and milk bottling room to assure safe production and handling of the milk you will be consuming. Contact WSDA's Food Safety Program at foodsafety@agr.wa.gov

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Food safety concerns

• Whom should I contact regarding food safety concerns?

The Washington State Department of Agriculture maintains a toll-free number for food safety concerns. To comment about food or beverages that you purchased at a grocery store, restaurant or about a food processor or food warehouse facility, call 1-800-843-7890. Information on food complaints is available at http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/food-complaints.aspx

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Gasoline pump problems

• I think I've been shorted at the gas station. What can I do about it?

The Washington State Department of Agriculture's (WSDA) Weights & Measures Program verifies the accuracy of the quantity of fuel delivered at gas stations and the quality (octane) of fuel delivered. If there's a problem, you should tell us where and when you bought the fuel, the grade or type of fuel, the pump number, and any other information you might have. For assistance, call WSDA at (360)902-1857 or send an e-mail to wtsmeasures@agr.wa.gov

If the gas station is within the Seattle city limits call (206)386-1298
or email seattle.consumer-affairs@seattle.gov

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Grants

• Where can I find information on WSDA grant opportunitiess?

WSDA awards state and federal grants as funding becomes available. WSDA's Grant Programs webpage is continuously updated with current and future grant opportunities, and also contains information about other grant programs that may be of interest to Washington's agriculture community.

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Industrial hemp

• Where can I find information on growing or processing industrial hemp in Washington?

WSDA's Industrial Hemp Research Pilot page and industrial hemp FAQ page both provide general information for those who are interested in growing or processing industrial hemp.

• Where can I find information on rulemaking for industrial hemp?

WSDA's industrial hemp rulemaking page provides information on current industrial hemp rulemaking activity.

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Organic products (licensing, standards, processors, growers)

• Where can I find out about organic products in Washington?

Go to the website for our Organic Food Program. You'll find lists of organic producers (growers), handlers and processors and learn more about this program.

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Plants

• I'm moving to Washington state and am wondering if I can bring my house plants with me?

Usually there are no restrictions on houseplants that have been kept indoors or inside a greenhouse and potted with an artificial mix, not garden soil. There may be additional requirements depending on where you are coming from. More information is available on our Nursery Inspection frequently asked questions webpage or call WSDA agency headquarters in Olympia at (360)902-1874.

• Who can I contact for a permit to conduct a plant sale?

The WSDA Nursery Inspection Program requires a permit for plant sales, available for a modest fee. You can contact the program at WSDA, PO Box 42560, Olympia WA 98504-2560 or (360)902-1874.

• Where can I report concerns over dying trees or plants?

A potential source includes the WSU Extension office in your county. A list is available in your phone directory under county government. A source for WSU Extension offices can be found at http://ext.wsu.edu/locations [external link]

• Where can I report a noxious weed?

The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board serves as the state's noxious weed coordination center. Through its actions and policy decisions, it supports the activities of 48 county noxious weed control boards and weed districts. Information on the state noxious weed list is available at http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/default.asp [external link]

• Can I take houseplants, trees, fruit, etc, when I travel into California?

Please visit the California Department of Agriculture [external link] website to learn about their requirements for bringing produce into California:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/factsheets/BringingFruitsVeggies_to_CA.pdf [external PDF]

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Pesticides

• How can I become licensed to be a structural pest inspector, pesticide applicator, pest control consultant or pesticide dealer?

The Washington State Department of Agriculture licenses and recertifies commercial, public and private pesticide applicators, pesticide consultants, pesticide dealers and structural pest inspectors. For answers to your pesticide licensing questions email our licensing staff at license@agr.wa.gov or visit http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/LicensingEd/Licensing.aspx

Lately, we've received a lot of public interest in home inspections involving pests that cause damage to structures. To learn more about the service of inspecting a building for wood destroying organisms see http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/LicensingEd/CASpiInfo.aspx

Currently licensed structural pest inspectors are searchable at http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/LicensingEd/Search

Individuals who are certified in Washington as structural pest inspectors must pass a Washington State Department of Agriculture exam and meet other eligibility requirements (financial coverage and be employed by a structural pest inspection company).

• How can I file a complaint involving the misuse of a pesticide or a faulty structural pest inspection?

To file a complaint involving the misuse of a pesticide or a faulty structural pest inspection, call toll-free to (877)301-4555. You may also use that number to find out if a pesticide applicator or structural pest inspector is licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

• Can I pay for my Pesticide/SPI License with a credit card over the phone?

Not at this time. In the future, you will be able to go online to pay your license fee with an electronic check payment.

• Do you accept purchase orders from public agencies?

No.

• How much does it cost to take the exams?

There is no fee to take exams, however there is a license application fee based on the type of license(s) you need. For license fees, go to page 2 of our Pesticide/Pest Inspector Licensing Factsheet.

• How do I check the status of my license?

You can check the status of your license on our website by searching on your license number or name on the License Search page.

• Can I check the status of someone else's license?

If you know the license# or name of licensee, you can check the license status by going to the License Search page.

• How can I check if a Pest Control Company, Landscape Company or Structural Pest Inspector is currently licensed?

You can check on a company's licensing status by going to the License Search page and entering the company name in the "Single Business" section.

• When and where are pesticide/Structural Pest Inspector license exams given?

Testing sessions are conducted at many locations and times throughout the state. For a listing that includes driving directions, see Taking Exams on our website.

• How do I make a reservation for a pesticide or Structural Pest Inspector license exam?

You can make a reservation by calling Licensing Staff toll free at (877)301-4555.

• How do I get study materials for taking exams?

Study materials are provided by Washington State University (WSU) Cooperative Extension Bulletin Office. You may contact them toll free at (800)723-1763, or you can print out their order form [PDF] and mail it in.

• What items am I allowed to bring with me to exam sessions?

Picture I.D. and any applicable fees are the only items allowed in an exam session. Cell phones and study materials are strictly prohibited.

• How do I notify you of changes to my name, address, phone or email?

To report changes, you can either email or call toll free (877)301-4555. Be sure to include your name and license number.

• I have a license in another state. How do I get a Washington license?

In some cases, you can obtain a Washington license based upon a license from another state. To verify if you meet the reciprocal requirements, see Reciprocal License on our website.

• How do I check my recertification credit status?

You may view your recertification status on-line. After locating your license record from the License Search page, select any of the license types to view its credit status.

• How do I sponsor a course for recertification credits?

For a course to be accredited, the agenda must be approved by WSDA prior to the program. Only topics relevant to pest management, pest inspections or pesticides will receive credit. If you would like to sponsor a recertification course, see Sponsoring A Course on our website.

• How do I find recertification courses?

For a listing of all WSDA-approved recertification courses, see our Recertification Course Search webpage. You can search a number of ways. Hit "Submit" and all open, on-site courses will be listed. You can also search on other types of courses (Internet, self-study and ongoing) and by county, subject, and language. WSU's Pesticide Education Program offers a number of on-line courses. Visit their website to learn more.

• I have lost my plastic license card. How can I get a replacement?

You may email or call our toll free line at (877)301-4555 to request a replacement card at no cost. Be sure to include your license number, name and current mailing address.

• What is the process to get a Commercial Applicator license?

For complete details on obtaining a Commercial Applicator license, see http://agr.wa.gov/pestfert/licensinged/caspiinfo.aspx

• Once all requirements are met, how long does it take to get a license?

If all licensing requirements are met, it will generally take approximately 10-15 business days. Please be aware that we experience very large volumes of both new and renewing licenses from Dec. 16-Jan. 31 of each year so expect some delay during this period.

• How long does each exam take?

The length of time varies by test and individual but a general rule of thumb is to allow 1-2 hours per exam. All exams are multiple-choice. One, the Structural Pest Inspector exam, includes both a written and practical exam. The latter includes samples of wood destroying organisms and their damage.

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WSU Extension (gardening tips, 4-H, ag research)

• Where can I get advice on my gardening questions, the Master Gardner program, or general agriculture issues?

Washington State University Extension provides leadership in agriculture, land-use stewardship, and other natural resource issues, supports 4-H youth development programs, and conducts adult leadership training. Browse to http://ext.wsu.edu/locations [external link] for a list of offices in Washington. The WSU Extension's home Web page is at http://ext.wsu.edu [external link]

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