901-906
FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL CODE
SECTION 901-906
901. There is in the state government the State Board of Food and Agriculture which consists of 15 members. 901.5. It is hereby declared, as a matter of legislative determination, that representatives of the agricultural industry appointed to the State Board of Food and Agriculture pursuant to this chapter are intended to represent and further the interest of a particular industry concerned, and that such representation and furtherance is intended to serve the public interest. Accordingly, the Legislature finds that, with respect to persons who are appointed to such board, the particular industry concerned is tantamount to, and constitutes, the public generally within the meaning of Section 87103 of the Government Code. 902. The members of the board shall be appointed by the Governor as follows: (a) One from the Agricultural Sciences Division of the University of California. (b) One from the agricultural department of one of the state universities and colleges offering agriculture as a part of the curriculum. (c) Two members shall be appointed from the state at large who represent the agricultural industry. (d) Seven members, not more than one of whom shall be appointed from any one congressional district or from any one county, who represent the agricultural industry. (e) Two members of the public who have no direct financial interest in the production or handling of agricultural products, but who have an interest in, and knowledge of, the environment. (f) Two members of the public who have no direct financial interest in the production or handling of agricultural products, but who have an interest in, and knowledge of, consumer affairs. 903. The term of office of the members of the board is four years. The terms expire on January 15 of each year in the rotation which is presently established. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term. On February 1 of each year the Governor shall designate one of the members of the board to serve as president. The term of office of the members appointed pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 902 shall commence on January 15, 1976. 904. The members shall be residents and citizens of the state and shall be specially qualified for this service through actual farm business, economic agricultural training, environmental protection, or consumer affairs. Each member of the board representing the agricultural industry shall have a major interest in a separate branch of the agricultural industry. 905. The members shall serve without pay, but shall be allowed necessary traveling and incidental expenses which are incurred in the discharge of their duties. The expenses shall be paid from the appropriation for the support of the department. 906. (a) Public officers associated with any area of government, including agriculture, and whether elected or appointed, may be appointed to, and may serve contemporaneously as members of, the board. (b) No member of the board appointed pursuant to subdivision (c) or (d) of Section 902 shall participate in any board action that involves himself or herself or any agricultural entity with which he or she is connected as a director, officer, or employee, or in which he or she has a financial interest in the decision within the meaning of Section 87103 of the Government Code.