Five years ago, Washington State seriously considered forming an organic food commission. The State Department of Agriculture noted that organic producers have distinct research, regulatory, and promotional needs but in the end suggested that organic growers work more closely with the existing commodity commissions. During the 2007 legislative session, Washington State Representative Ken Jacobsen introduced an organic food bill that would have created a commission to promote organic foods, but later dropped it, saying he felt it was no longer necessary because consumers are demanding organic foods. Washington’s organic apple production could soon reach 10 million boxes, or 10 percent […]