Article 1. Declarations And General Provisions of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 22. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 29. >> Article 1.

The production of olives for processing into olive oil and marketing of the olive oil constitutes an important industry of this state which provides substantial and necessary revenues for the state and employment for its citizens.

The establishment of the commission is necessary for the efficient creation and management of the activities authorized in this chapter. The commission is also necessary to enhance the competitiveness of the industry within the state, national, and international marketplace.

The maintenance of the industry in California is necessary to ensure a continuous supply of olives and the resulting olive oil and to ensure the needed levels of income are maintained for those engaged in the production of olives for processing into olive oil and the marketing of olive oil.

The production of olives for processing into olive oil and the marketing of olive oil produced in this state is hereby declared to be 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.

The commission form of administration created by this chapter is uniquely situated to provide those engaged in the activities specified in this chapter the opportunity to avail themselves of the benefits of collective action in the broad fields of olive oil research and grades and labeling standards.

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.

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.