The powers and duties of the commission shall include the following:
(a)
To elect a chairman, and from time to time such other officers as it may deem advisable, and to delegate to such officers such administrative duties as may appear advisable.
(b)
To adopt and from time to time alter, rescind, modify and amend all proper and necessary rules, regulations and orders for the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties, including rules for regulation of appeals from any rule, regulation or order of the commission.
(c)
To administer and enforce this chapter, and to do and perform all acts and exercise all powers incidental to or in connection with or deemed reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.
(d)
To employ, and at its pleasure discharge, a manager, treasurer, secretary, employees and necessary personnel, including attorneys engaged in the private practice of the law, fix their compensation and terms of employment, prescribe their duties, and to incur such expenses as it may deem reasonably necessary and proper to properly perform such of its duties as are authorized herein. The Attorney General shall aid and assist the commission on its request and shall undertake such judicial proceedings as requested by the commission to undertake on its behalf.
(e)
To establish offices and incur expense, and to enter into any and all contracts and agreements, and to create such liabilities and borrow such funds in advance of receipt of assessments as may be necessary, in the opinion of the commission, for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter and the performance of its duties.
(f)
To keep accurate books, records and accounts of all of its dealings, which books, records and accounts shall be open to inspection and audit by the Department of Finance of the State of California or other state officer charged with the audit of operations of departments of the State of California.
(g)
To investigate and prosecute civilly violations of this chapter and to file complaints with appropriate law enforcement agencies or officers for criminal violations of this chapter.
(h)
To promote the sale of fresh grapes by advertising and other similar means for the purpose of maintaining and expanding present markets and creating new and larger intrastate, interstate and foreign markets for fresh grapes; to educate and instruct the public with respect to fresh grapes; and the uses and time to use the several varieties, and the healthful properties and dietetic value of fresh grapes.
(i)
In the discretion of the commission, to educate and instruct the wholesale and retail trade with respect to proper methods of handling and selling fresh grapes; to arrange for the performance of dealer service work providing display and other promotional materials; to make market surveys and analyses; and to present facts to and negotiate with state, federal and foreign agencies on matters which affect the marketing and distribution of fresh grapes; and to undertake any other similar activities which the commission may determine appropriate for the maintenance and expansion of present markets and the creation of new and larger markets for fresh grapes.
(j)
In the discretion of the commission, to make in the name of the commission contracts to render service in formulating and conducting plans and programs, and such other contracts or agreements as the commission may deem necessary for the promotion of the sale of fresh grapes.
(k)
In the discretion of the commission, to conduct, and contract with others to conduct, scientific research, including the study, analysis, dissemination and accumulation of information obtained from such research or elsewhere respecting the marketing and distribution of fresh grapes, the production, storage, refrigeration, inspection and transportation thereof, to develop and discover the dietetic value of fresh grapes and to develop and expand markets, and to improve cultural practices and product handling so that the various varieties may be placed in the hands of the ultimate consumer in the best possible condition. In connection with such research, the commission shall have the power to accept contributions of, or to match, private, state or federal funds that may be available for these purposes, and to employ or make contributions of funds to other persons or state or federal agencies conducting such research.
(l)
To determine, subject to the limitations provided in Section 65600, not later than May 1 of each year, the assessment for the following 12 months’ period beginning May 1st and ending April 30th.
(m)
In the discretion of the commission, to publish and distribute without charge a bulletin or other communication for dissemination of information relating to the fresh grape industry to producers and shippers.