(a)
Any person who willfully and knowingly damages or destroys any field crop product, as specified in Sections 42510 and 52001, that is known by the person to be the subject of testing or a product development program being conducted by, or in conjunction or cooperation with the University of California, the California State University System, or any other federal, state, or local government agency, shall be liable for twice the value of the crop damaged or destroyed. For purposes of this subdivision, “in conjunction or cooperation with” means having a contract with the University of California, the California State University System, or any other federal, state, or local government agency involving testing or a product development program relating to that field crop product.
(b)
Damages available under this section shall be limited to twice actual damages involving research, testing, and crop development costs directly related to the crop that has been damaged or destroyed.
(c)
The rights and remedies available under this section are in addition to any other rights or remedies otherwise available in law or statute.