(a)
The following are exempt from this chapter:
(1)
An integrated producer-processor. This exemption does not apply to the acquisition of strawberries for processing from any person who is not involved in a proprietary manner in the integrated producer-processor operation and who is not compensated for strawberries delivered through a proportionate share of the profits of the business entity.
(2)
A processor registered in the state as a bona fide nonprofit cooperative when it acquires strawberries from members of the cooperative. This exemption does not apply to the acquisition of strawberries for processing from any person who is not a member of the cooperative.
(3)
A contract with a fixed purchase price for the purchase of processing strawberries by a processor from a producer which is entered into and filed with the advisory board on or before the effective date of any seasonal marketing regulation for price filing and posting adopted pursuant to this chapter.
(4)
Any contract for the purchase of strawberries for processing by a processor from a producer entered into prior to January 1, 1985, and filed prior to the effective date of any seasonal marketing regulation for price filing and posting adopted pursuant to this chapter.
(5)
A contract that makes a reference to a processor’s posted price for the purchase of processing strawberries by the processor from a producer which does not contain an additional purchase price, as defined by the director by regulation pursuant to Section 63123.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, any contract which is exempt from this chapter pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be filed with the advisory board in the manner prescribed by the director pursuant to Section 63123.
(c)
Information obtained by the advisory board pursuant to this chapter shall be maintained in confidence. However, the advisory board may disclose, upon request, whether a particular producer’s processing strawberries are covered by an exempt contract or other arrangement.