(a) Commodity industries are vital elements of the state economy. Commodity industries:
(A) Are sources of substantial employment for the citizens of this state;
(B) Produce needed tax revenues for the support of state and local government;
(C) Encourage responsible stewardship of valuable land and marine resources; and
(D) Produce substantial quantities of necessary food for the state, nation and world.
(b) Commodity commissions support commodity industries and enhance and preserve the economic interests of the state.
(c) Commodity commissions function in the same manner as a broad range of other programs established by the Legislative Assembly that are funded by the public through fees assessed according to the relationship of the fee payer to a particular program.
(d) Commodity commissions are not established to benefit individual persons engaged in commodity industries, but are intended to improve the overall conditions for the particular commodity for which a commission is established and thereby benefit the overall economy of the state and all the citizens of the state.
(e) Mandated cooperative efforts engaged in by commodity commissions are a proven, effective method to avoid economic waste and maintain stable agricultural markets.
(f) It is in the public interest that:
(A) Support for Oregon’s commodity industries be clearly expressed;
(B) Adequate protection be given to commodities and commodity uses, activities and operations; and
(C) Each commodity be promoted individually and as part of a stabilized comprehensive industry by increasing consumption of commodities in this state and the United States and internationally.
(2) It is the intent of the Legislative Assembly that commodity commissions do the following for the purpose of serving commodity industries and the citizens of this state:
(a) Participate in the formulation and implementation of public policy through expressive activities.
(b) Reflect a continuing commitment by the state to commodity industries that are integral to the economy of this state.
(c) Represent a policy of support for persons engaged in commodity industries and for their critical role in the economy of this state, especially the economy of rural areas.
(d) Provide benefits to entire commodity industries and all the citizens of this state.
(e) Enhance the image of Oregon commodities for the purpose of increasing the overall demand for those commodities. To achieve that purpose, the Legislative Assembly intends that commodity commissions operate primarily to create a more receptive environment for commodities and for the individual efforts of persons engaged in commodity industries and thereby complement individual, targeted and specific activities.
(f) Use mandatory cooperative efforts to complement state, federal and international laws and programs.
(g) Protect the citizens of this state by educating them regarding the quality, care and methods used in the production of Oregon commodities.
(h) Increase knowledge regarding the healthful qualities and dietetic value of Oregon commodities.
(i) Support and engage in research programs and activities that benefit the planting, production, harvesting, handling, processing, marketing and use of Oregon commodities. [2003 c.604 §2]