SECTIONS 79201-79207 - California Statutes

FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL CODE

SECTION 79201-79207

79201. The production and marketing of blueberries constitute an
important industry of this state that provides substantial and
necessary revenues for the state and employment for its citizens.

79202. The establishment of the commission is necessary for the
efficient creation and management of a research program to develop
improved varieties of blueberries, an integrated approach to manage
pests and diseases common to blueberries, and more efficient cultural
practices. The commission is also necessary for the efficient
development and management of a state, national, and international
advertising and promotion program that, combined with the research
program, will enhance the competitiveness of the California blueberry
industry within the national and international marketplace.

79203. The maintenance of the blueberry industry in California is
necessary to assure the public of a continuous supply of this
important commodity and the maintenance of needed levels of income
for those engaged in the blueberry industry of this state.

79204. The production and marketing of blueberries produced in this
state is hereby declared to be affected with a public interest. This
chapter is enacted in the exercise of the police power of this state
for the purpose of protecting the health, peace, safety, and general
welfare of the people of this state.

79205. The commission form of administration created by this
chapter is uniquely situated to provide those engaged in the
production of blueberries the opportunity to avail themselves of the
benefits of collective action in the broad fields of transportation,
pest management, advertising, promotion, food safety, production
research, nutrition, marketing research, quality and maturity
standards, the collection and dissemination of crop volume and
related statistics, and public education.

79206. No action taken by the commission, or by any individual in
accordance with this chapter or with rules and regulations adopted
under this chapter, shall be deemed a violation of the Cartwright Act
(Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 16700) of Part 2 of Division 7
of the Business and Professions Code), the Unfair Practices Act
(Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17000) of Part 2 of Division 7 of
the Business and Professions Code), or any rule of statutory or
common law against monopolies or combinations in restraint of trade.

79207. It is hereby declared as a matter of legislative
determination that members of the commission are intended to
represent and further the interest of the particular industry
concerned and that this representation and furtherance is intended to
serve the public interest. Accordingly, the Legislature finds that
with respect to persons who are elected or appointed to the
commission, the particular industry concerned is tantamount to, and
constitutes the public generally within the meaning of Section 87103
of the Government Code.