California Apple Commission: organic apple certification program.

Existing law provides that there is in state government the California Apple Commission. Existing law vests the commission with certain powers and duties, including to recommend to the Secretary of Food and Agriculture the adoption of maturity standards authorized pursuant to specified state marketing laws. Existing law provides that, unless a different penalty is expressly provided, a violation of any provision of the Food and Agricultural Code is a misdemeanor. This bill would authorize the commission to establish an organic apple certification program applicable to persons engaged in domestic organic production or processing of apples and to persons engaged in importing apples to determine whether they are in compliance with state and federal laws. The bill would require the program's operating procedures to be approved by the secretary. The bill would require the identity of any person determined to be in violation of the program to be provided to the public, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and any other state and federal agency responsible for the administration of laws related to organic products. The bill would require the commission to reimburse the secretary for all expenditures incurred by the secretary in carrying out its duties and responsibilities pursuant to these provisions. Because the provisions of the bill would be in the Food and Agricultural Code, and they do not expressly provide a penalty for violation, the bill would expand the scope of a crime and thereby create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.