Updated 01/09/09

Plant Protection Division

Mary Toohey, Assistant Director
Henri Gonzales, Division Coordinator 
(360) 902-1908

Programs

• Chemical and Hop Laboratory

• Commission Merchants Program

• Pest Program

• Plant Services Program

• Weights and Measures Program

Chemical and Hop Laboratory

Program Manager:  Royal Schoen
Phone:  (509) 249-6933

The Chemical and Hop Laboratory supports several department programs by analyzing samples taken in investigations of alleged pesticide misuse, monitoring for pesticide residues in foods, and analyzing commercial feed and fertilizer samples to determine if they meet label guarantees. The program also grades hops for seed, stem, and leaf content and analyzes hops for brewing value.

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Commission Merchants Program

Program Manager:  Kirk Robinson
Email:  ComMerch@agr.wa.gov
Phone:  (360) 902-1857

The Commission Merchants Program enforces the Commission Merchants Act; licenses commission merchants, dealers, brokers, and cash buyers; and investigates complaints.

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Pest Program

Program Manager:  Dr. Brad White
Email:  PestProgram@agr.wa.gov
Phone:  (360) 902-2070

The Pest Program identifies and eradicates insect pests that threaten Washington State such as gypsy moth and citrus longhorned beetle; coordinates and administers the state noxious weed program; and conducts surveys to detect, exclude, or manage exotic plant pathogens introduced into the state.

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Plant Services Program

Program Manager:  Tom Wessels
Email:  PlantServices@agr.wa.gov
Phone:  (360) 902-1922

The Plant Services Program inspects nurseries to ensure that consumers and the nursery industry are provided healthy, pest-free and disease-free plant materials; enforces quarantines to prevent pest introduction; provides inspection services to certify plant materials are free from infestation as required by domestic and international markets; and provides testing and inspection services to assure disease-free planting stock for various agricultural industries, including fruit trees, seed potatoes, hops, grapes, mint, garlic, caneberries, and strawberries.

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Weights and Measures Program

Program Manager:  Kirk Robinson
Email:  WtsMeasures@agr.wa.gov
Phone:  (360) 902-1854

The Weights and Measures Program checks prepackaged items to verify quantity of contents; inspects and tests commercial weighing and measuring devices; licenses public weighmasters and weighers; responds to consumer complaints; and surveys labeling and advertising of products packaged and/or sold by weight, measure, or count.

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