Senate passes ‘Washington natural beef’ bill.

The Senate is in caucus now, but this morning they passed a bill to create a “Washington natural beef” label. Beef carrying that label — sold in this state or worldwide — would be born and raised in Washington without antibiotics or hormones.

Additionally, the bill creates another class — “Washington grass-fed beef cattle” — a distinction reserved for cattle that meet the above criteria and eat grass right to the end. Most beef cattle are finished on a grain diet.

What’s it cost? Nothing. The fiscal note shows that the state expects to raise money from the participants, who will pay a fee to join. The fee, however, can only be used for administering the program and promoting Washington natural beef.

Tags: beef