The powers and duties of the commission include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(a)
To elect a chairman and, from time to time, any other officers that it may deem advisable and to delegate to these officers any administrative duties that may appear advisable.
(b)
To adopt and, from time to time, alter, rescind, modify, and amend all proper and necessary administrative bylaws, rules, regulations, and orders for the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties, including rules for regulation of appeals from any bylaw, 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 this chapter.
(d)
To employ a person to serve, at the pleasure of the commission, as president and chief executive officer of the commission and other personnel, including legal counsel, that is necessary to carry out this chapter. The Attorney General shall aid and assist the commission upon its request and shall undertake judicial proceedings 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 any liabilities and borrow any funds in advance of receipt of assessments that 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 are subject to an annual private audit by an auditing firm selected by the commission and approved by the director. The audit shall be made a part of an annual report to all handlers of iceberg lettuce, copies of which shall also be submitted to the Legislature. In addition, the director may, as he or she determines necessary, conduct, or cause to be conducted, a fiscal and compliance audit of the commission.
(g)
To investigate and prosecute civil violations of this chapter and to file complaints with appropriate law enforcement agencies or officers for criminal violations of this chapter.
(h)
To maintain or expand the demand for iceberg lettuce nationally and abroad by means of promotional, educational, and similar programs and activities, including, but not limited to, the advertising and publicizing of iceberg lettuce in all forms of media, providing merchandising services and materials, conducting educational meetings and demonstrations, and sponsoring or participating in appropriate trade and food conferences.
(i)
To undertake market, transportation, and other pertinent studies and surveys; to present facts to, and negotiate with, private and governmental bodies and agencies on matters affecting sales and distribution and other concerns of iceberg lettuce production and marketing; 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 iceberg lettuce.
(j)
To make, in the name of the commission, contracts to render service in formulating and conducting plans and programs, and any other contracts or agreements that the commission may deem necessary for the promotion of the sale of iceberg lettuce.
(k)
To conduct, or contract with others to conduct, research as authorized by this chapter. In connection with this research, the commission may accept contributions of, or may match, private, state, or federal funds that may be available for these purposes, and may employ or make contributions of funds to other persons or state or federal agencies conducting this research.
(l)
To determine, subject to the limitations provided in Section 66621, not later than March 31 of each year, the assessment for the following 12-month period beginning April 1 and ending March 31.
(m)
To publish and distribute without charge bulletins or other communications for dissemination of information relating to the iceberg lettuce industry to producers, shippers, and handlers.
(n)
To enter into cost-sharing advertising and sales promotion with organizations representing other products, and with producers, handlers, and other persons involved in marketing iceberg lettuce, either individually or collectively, who are not subject to this chapter.
(o)
To fix the compensation for all employees of the commission.
(p)
To appoint committees composed of both members and nonmembers of the commission to advise the commission in carrying out this chapter.
(q)
To administer any state or federal program engaged in activities affecting iceberg lettuce.