(1) When a buyer is damaged by the failure of any seed covered by this chapter to produce or perform as represented by the required label, by warranty, or as a result of negligence, the buyer, as a prerequisite to maintaining a legal action against the dealer of such seed, shall have first provided for the arbitration of the claim. Any statutory period of limitations with respect to such claim shall be tolled from the date arbitration proceedings are instituted until ten days after the date on which the arbitration award becomes final.

     (2) Similarly, no such claim may be asserted as a counterclaim or defense in any action brought by a dealer against a buyer until the buyer has first provided for arbitration of the claim. Upon the buyer's filing of a written notice of intention to assert such a claim as a counterclaim or defense in the action accompanied by a copy of the buyer's complaint in arbitration filed as provided in this chapter, the action shall be stayed, and any applicable statute of limitations shall be tolled with respect to such claim from the date arbitration proceedings are instituted until ten days after the arbitration award becomes final.

     (3) Conspicuous language calling attention to the requirement for arbitration under this section shall be referenced or included on the analysis label required under RCW 15.49.011 through 15.49.101.

     (4) If the parties agree to submit the claim to arbitration and to be bound by the arbitration award, then the arbitration shall be subject to chapter 7.04A RCW, and RCW 15.49.081 through 15.49.111 will not apply to the arbitration. If the parties do not so agree, then the buyer may provide for mandatory arbitration by the arbitration committee under RCW 15.49.081 through 15.49.111. An award rendered in such mandatory arbitration shall not be binding upon the parties and any trial on any claim so arbitrated shall be de novo.

     (5) This section applies only to claims, or counterclaims, where the relief sought is, or includes, a monetary amount in excess of two thousand dollars. All claims for two thousand dollars or less shall be commenced in either district court or small claims court.

[2005 c 433 § 36; 1989 c 354 § 77.]

NOTES:

     Application -- Captions not law -- Savings -- Effective date -- 2005 c 433: See RCW 7.04A.290 through 7.04A.310 and 7.04A.900.

     Effective date -- 1989 c 354 §§ 70-81 and 84-86: See note following RCW 15.49.005.

     Severability -- 1989 c 354: See note following RCW 15.36.012.