WSDA seeks feedback on proposed changes to Fruit Tree Certification Program
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is proposing updates to chapter 16-350 WAC – Registration and Certification of Fruit Tree Planting Stock. These updates will impact WSDA’s Fruit Tree Certification Program and those participating in it. This voluntary program is designed to ensure the production and distribution of high-quality, disease-free fruit tree nursery stock. Its primary goal is to promote the health and vigor of the fruit tree industry in Washington by preventing the spread of harmful viruses, diseases, and other conditions that can significantly impact both commercial fruit production and ornamental fruit trees.
Through a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded grant, WSDA hired a facilitator to lead a working group of industry stakeholders aimed at increasing use of certified virus-tested stock, improving communication with growers on best practices, and harmonizing the certification rule with national and North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) standards. The working group has recommended several changes to the rule that would safeguard nursery production in the state. The changes include developing management strategies for the mitigation of pests and pathogens in nursery settings, as well as harmonizing standards to support audit-based nursery certification initiatives.
Proposed Changes:
- Reflect changes to horticultural practices of the fruit tree nurseries since the rule was last updated in 2005.
- Align the certification standards with those found in NAPPO Regional Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (RSPM) 35.
- Update definitions to current international standards.
- Address certification of tissue cultures.
- Require molecular testing of Prunus for Little Cherry Disease pathogens every three years.
How to provide feedback
WSDA is seeking feedback from the public on how the proposed rule amendments could impact you. To provide a comment, please email envjustice@agr.wa.gov. All comments received will be used to inform the agency’s Environmental Justice Assessment for this rule. Please submit comments by October 31, 2025.
To learn more about this rulemaking, visit the WSDA website. You can also visit the WSDA Environmental Justice webpage to learn about the agency’s environmental justice efforts.