Food and agriculture omnibus bill.

(1) Existing law provides for the distribution to counties of funds transferred to the Department of Food and Agriculture Fund from the Motor Vehicle Fuel Account as partial reimbursement for county expenses incurred in carrying out various agricultural programs, as specified. Existing law appropriates to the Department of Food and Agriculture moneys in the Department of Food and Agriculture Fund transferred from the account, as prescribed, for, among other things, disbursement to counties for the uniform application of state agricultural policy and administration of programs supervised by the Secretary of Food and Agriculture. This bill would make the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association eligible for this disbursement. Because the bill would make money in a continuously appropriated fund available for a new purpose, it would make an appropriation. (2) Existing law requires the Secretary of Food and Agriculture to expend up to $100,000 in any fiscal year for an exhibit or exhibits at a state-supported fair that demonstrates the process of production and use of food and fiber and to annually provide for a conference of fair judges to aid the Department of Food and Agriculture in prescribing regulations for the judging of exhibits and for the premiums paid for all classes, sections, and types of exhibits, and authorizes the secretary to expend up to $15,000 in any fiscal year for these purposes. This bill would instead authorize rather than require the secretary to expend up to $100,000 in any fiscal year for those exhibits. (3) Existing law, the Milk and Milk Products Act of 1947, regulates milk and milk products and establishes standards for the manufacturing, handling, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products. The act, except as specified, requires there appear upon the package or container of a market milk or market cream product the date established by the processor as the date upon which, to ensure quality, the product is normally removed from the shelf or similar location. This bill would require that the date established by the processor and that appears on the package or container of the market milk or cream be to ensure consumer quality. (4) Existing law creates the Olive Oil Commission of California in state government with a prescribed membership, and specifies the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the commission board of directors. Existing law provides that the commission form of administration is uniquely situated to provide those engaged in commission activities the opportunity to avail themselves of the benefits of collective action in the broad fields of olive oil research and grades and labeling standards and authorizes the commission board of directors to, among other things, carry out programs of research relating to olive oil and to recommend to the Secretary of Food and Agriculture olive oil grades and labeling standards. This bill would expand the powers and duties of the commission board of directors to include public education and engaging in communications with the public regarding activities authorized by these provisions.