The commission shall provide for programs designed to increase the consumption of beef; develop more efficient methods for the production, processing, handling and marketing of beef; eliminate transportation rate inequalities on feed grains and supplements and other production supplies adversely affecting Washington producers; properly identify beef and beef products for consumers as to quality and origin. For these purposes the commission may:
(1) Provide for programs for advertising, sales promotion and education, locally, nationally or internationally, for maintaining present markets and/or creating new or larger markets for beef. Such programs shall be directed toward increasing the sale of beef and shall neither make use of false or unwarranted claims in behalf of beef nor disparage the quality, value, sale or use of any other agricultural commodity;
(2) Provide for research to develop and discover the health, food, therapeutic and dietetic value of beef and beef products thereof;
(3) Make grants to research agencies for financing studies, including funds for the purchase or acquisition of equipments and facilities, in problems of beef production, processing, handling and marketing;
(4) Disseminate reliable information founded upon the research undertaken under this chapter or otherwise available;
(5) Provide for rate studies and participate in rate hearings connected with problems of beef production, processing, handling or marketing; and
(6) Provide for proper labeling of beef and beef products so that the purchaser and the consuming public of the state will be readily apprised of the quality of the product and how and where it was processed.
[2000 c 146 § 4; 1969 c 133 § 10.]