SB 250 Summary

• Creates the Olive Oil Commission of California with a board of directors composed of six producers (two from each of three districts), three handlers (one from each district), one public member, and ex officio members from the Secretary of Food and Agriculture's office.

• Authorizes the commission to levy an annual assessment not exceeding $0.25 per gallon of olive oil to fund operations, research, and grade/labeling standard recommendations to the Secretary.

• Chapter does not become operative until producers vote in favor, requiring either 65% producer approval (with majority of volume) or majority producer approval (with 65% of volume), with at least 40% participation.

• Establishes civil penalties up to $1,000 for false reporting, failure to maintain records, or failure to provide producer information, and allows the commission to pursue collection actions and injunctive relief.

• Requires reapproval referendum every five years; allows suspension if two-thirds of the board votes it has not effectuated its purposes or if 15% of producers by number and volume petition for suspension referendum.