(a) In carrying out the division, the department may solicit and use all expertise available in other state agencies and where an existing state agency performs functions of a similar nature to the department’s functions, the department may contract with, or cooperate with, the agency in carrying out this division.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the Department of Food and Agriculture may, as requested by the department, collect, compile, and report information regarding the importation of filled or postfilled beverage containers. Border agricultural inspection stations and any other appropriate information gathering focal points may be used and the plant quarantine officers and supervisors of the Department of Food and Agriculture shall collect, compile, and report information requested by the department pursuant to this subdivision. Recovery of costs incurred by the Department of Food and Agriculture shall be accomplished through an interagency agreement with the department.

(Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1148, Sec. 1.)