In enacting this chapter, the Legislature finds and declares:

1. (a) Agriculture is both a major industry and employer in California.
2. (b) Farmworkers are an essential component of a successful and sustainable agricultural industry.
3. (c) There are approximately 420,000 farmworkers in California.
4. (d) It is important for California to address the challenges faced by farmworkers and the agricultural industry.
5. (e) California has long been an agricultural model for modern agriculture, adapting to meet 21st century challenges and needs with broadly shared benefits for consumers, agricultural employers, and workers.