Article 1. Declaration And General Provisions of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 22. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 13. >> Article 1.

Eggs and egg products constitute one of the basic, natural foods of the diet. The maintenance and expansion of existing markets and the development of new and improved markets and uses are vital and necessary to prevent the further decline in per capita consumption of eggs and egg products; to protect the welfare of the egg producer; and to provide employment for the work force. The Legislature also recognizes that this maintenance and expansion of the market for eggs is vital to the economy of California.

The protection and enhancement of the reputation of eggs and egg products in intrastate, interstate, and foreign markets, and the elimination of unreasonable and unnecessary economic waste of the agricultural wealth of this state is an essential aspect of the activities authorized in this chapter.

It is hereby declared to be the policy of this state to aid in the handling of eggs and egg products, to develop more efficient and equitable methods in handling, and to maintain job security for workers in the egg industry.

The production of eggs and egg products in this state and the marketing of eggs and egg products in this state, regardless of their point of origin 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.

A commission form of administration created by this chapter is designed to deal with the broad fields of advertising, promotion, education, economic research and marketing research.

No action taken by the commission, or by any individual in accordance with this chapter or with the rules and regulations adopted under this 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 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.

The benefits conferred by the activities authorized pursuant to this chapter extend to those segments of the egg industry doing business within this state. Insofar as out-of-state handlers benefit from the programs and activities authorized in accordance with this chapter, they may be obligated to bear their fair share of the burden and shall comply with this chapter.