(a) When conflicts arise between sectors of agriculture, the secretary may designate agricultural coexistence working groups to work towards conflict resolution.

(b) The members of a coexistence working group shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the secretary. Each working group shall be comprised of no more than 10 members of diverse qualifications, who shall serve without compensation and within existing departmental resources, to develop, review, and provide findings and recommendations to the secretary regarding specific issues pertaining to the coexistence of various sectors of agricultural production that present or might present conflicts with one another. Each working group shall be comprised primarily of affected growers or their representatives from a cross section of the interested stakeholders and may also include representatives of related industries, academia, or relevant governmental agencies.

(c) In developing its findings and recommendations for the secretary, a working group may do any of the following:

(1) Recognize the economic, human, and environmental benefits of coexistence among diversified agricultural industries by developing best management practices designed to foster coexistence between the various segments of food, fiber, and agriculturally derived energy production.

(2) Identify a means of maximizing coordination and communication among those involved in sectors of agricultural production that are in real, potential, or perceived conflict with one another, and consider issues relevant to coexistence, including, but not limited to, developing consensus on voluntary production practices and protections.

(3) Work in concert with the State Board of Food and Agriculture, and provide a forum for fostering a broad-based dialogue on agricultural production practices related to coexistence, founded on facts and demonstrable applied and practical science. If data is lacking, the working group may also propose research programs to provide information on which to base further recommendations.

(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 324, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2008.)