The cultivation of agave for processing into agave products and the marketing of agave and agave products constitute an important industry of this state, which provides substantial and necessary revenues for the state and employment for its residents.

The cultivation of agave in California is consistent with and supportive of California’s environmentally sensitive policies relating to sustainable farming practices, including water conservation, through the cultivation of drought tolerant crops.

The establishment of the commission is necessary for the efficient management of activities authorized in this chapter. The commission is also necessary to enhance the competitiveness of the industry within the state, national, and international marketplace.

The purposes of this chapter are hereby declared to be in the 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 activities specified in this chapter the opportunity to avail themselves of the benefits of collective action in the broad fields of research, education, promotion, and marketing.

No action taken by the commission, or by any individual in accordance with this chapter or with bylaws or procedures established pursuant to 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 statutory or common law against monopolies or combinations in restraint of trade.

It is the intent of the Legislature that members of the commission represent and further the interests of the agave industry and that this representation and furtherance serve the public interest. Accordingly, the Legislature finds that with respect to persons who are elected or appointed to the commission, the agave industry is tantamount to, and constitutes, the public generally within the meaning of Section 87103 of the Government Code.