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 and other end users.

(c) The direct marketing potential of a wide variety of California-produced agricultural products should be maximized and encouraged.

(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 permitting, regulating, and operating of certified farmers’ markets provide the essential core and foundation for the creation and operation of additional nonagricultural vending activities that are ancillary but contiguous to the certified farmers’ market, thereby providing a larger community event amenity for business districts and additional revenue for the operators of certified farmers’ markets.

(f) The department should maintain a direct marketing program and encourage the sale and purchase of California-grown fresh produce and other California-produced agricultural products.

(g) It is the intent of the state to promote the purchase and consumption of California-grown produce and to promote access to California-produced agricultural products. Restaurants and nonprofit organizations can assist in bringing California-grown products to all Californians.

(h) A regulatory scheme should be developed that provides the flexibility that will make direct marketing a viable marketing system.

(i) 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.

(j) 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.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 579, Sec. 3. (AB 1871) Effective January 1, 2015.)