Section 47000 Of Article 1. General Provisions From California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 17. >> Chapter 10.5. >> Article 1.
47000
. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following with
regard to the direct marketing of agricultural products:
(a) Direct marketing of agricultural products benefits the
agricultural community and the consumer by, among other things,
providing an alternative method for growers to sell their products
while benefiting the consumer by supplying quality produce at
reasonable prices.
(b) Direct marketing is a good public relations tool for the
agricultural industry that brings the farmer face-to-face with
consumers and other end users.
(c) The direct marketing potential of a wide variety of
California-produced agricultural products should be maximized and
encouraged.
(d) Farm stands allow farmers to sell fresh produce and eggs grown
on their farm as well as other food products made with ingredients
produced on or near the farm, thus enhancing their income and the
local economy.
(e) The permitting, regulating, and operating of certified farmers'
markets provide the essential core and foundation for the creation
and operation of additional nonagricultural vending activities that
are ancillary but contiguous to the certified farmers' market,
thereby providing a larger community event amenity for business
districts and additional revenue for the operators of certified
farmers' markets.
(f) The department should maintain a direct marketing program and
encourage the sale and purchase of California-grown fresh produce and
other California-produced agricultural products.
(g) It is the intent of the state to promote the purchase and
consumption of California-grown produce and to promote access to
California-produced agricultural products. Restaurants and nonprofit
organizations can assist in bringing California-grown products to all
Californians.
(h) A regulatory scheme should be developed that provides the
flexibility that will make direct marketing a viable marketing
system.
(i) The department should assist producers in organizing certified
farmers' markets, field retail stands, farm stands,
community-supported agriculture, and other forms of direct marketing
by providing technical advice on marketing methods and in complying
with the regulations that affect direct marketing programs.
(j) The department is encouraged to establish an ad hoc advisory
committee to assist the department in establishing regulations
affecting direct marketing of products and to advise the secretary in
all matters pertaining to direct marketing.