Article 1. Declaration And General Provisions of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 22. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 12.5. >> Article 1.

The production and distribution of wine and wine-related products constitute an important industry of this state which provides substantial and necessary revenues for the state and employment for its citizens. It also furnishes an important food which benefits the public health and welfare.

The maintenance and expansion of the wine industry of California and of its local, national, and foreign markets is necessary to assure the consuming public of a continuous supply of these products and the maintenance of needed levels of income for those engaged in the wine industry in this state.

It is in the public interest that the public be made aware of accurate and scientific information relating to the beneficial qualities of wine and wine-related products.

The production and marketing of wine and wine-related products 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.

No action taken by the commission or by any individual in accordance with this chapter or with the rules and regulations adopted under the chapter is a violation of the so-called Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 16700) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code), the Fair Trade Act (Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 16900) of that Part 2), the Unfair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17000) of that Part 2), or any statutory or common law against monopolies or combinations in restraint of trade. Proof that any action complained of was done in compliance with this chapter shall be a complete defense to the action or proceeding.

This chapter shall be liberally construed. If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are severable.

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

A commission form of administration created by this chapter is designed to deal with the broad fields of market development, marketing research, and production and processing research.