Article 1. Declaration And General Provisions of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 22. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 26. >> Article 1.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.