BILL NUMBER: AB 1632	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Gordon

                        FEBRUARY 9, 2012

   An act to amend Section 47000 of the Food and Agricultural Code,
relating to agricultural products.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 1632, as introduced, Gordon. Agricultural product marketing:
community supported agriculture.
   Existing law encourages the Department of Food and Agriculture to
assist producers in organizing certified farmers' markets, field
retail stands, farm stands, and other forms of direct marketing by
providing technical advice on marketing methods and in complying with
the regulations that affect direct marketing programs.
   This bill would also encourage the department to assist in
organizing the marketing of community supported agriculture.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 47000 of the Food and Agricultural Code is
amended to read:
   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.
   (c) The marketing potential of a wide variety of
California-produced agricultural products should be maximized.
   (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 department should maintain a direct marketing program and
the industry should continue to encourage the sale of
California-grown fresh produce.
   (f) It is the intent of the state to promote the consumption of
California-grown produce and to promote access to California-produced
agricultural products. Restaurants and nonprofit organizations can
provide assistance in bringing California-grown products to all
Californians.
   (g) A regulatory scheme should be developed that provides the
flexibility that will make direct marketing a viable marketing
system.
   (h) 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.
   (i) 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.