If at least 25 percent of the producers that are directly affected that produce at least 25 percent of the product and at least 25 percent of the handlers that are directly affected that handle at least 25 percent of the product request, within a 90-day period, that such marketing order be submitted to reapproval, the director shall hold a hearing on the question of the reapproval of such marketing order, and whether such reapproval shall be by assent or referendum.

If the director finds after the hearing that a substantial question exists as to whether such marketing order is contrary to, or does not effectuate the declared purposes or provisions of, this chapter within the standards and subject to the limitations and restrictions which are imposed in this chapter, such marketing order shall be submitted for the reapproval of those producers and handlers that are directly affected, as provided in this article, within 120 days of the receipt of the original request.

The person or persons originating such a request shall file a written notice with the director in such a manner that the date such a request is initiated can be readily ascertained. Persons may withdraw their names from such a request until the time the request is presented to the director.

A request to hold a public hearing on a marketing order shall be submitted to the director by a petition signed by not less than the number of producers or handlers which produce or handle the volume of products specified in this section. The signatures to the petition need not all be appended to one sheet of paper. Each person signing the petition shall add to his signature his place of business, giving street and number. If no street and number exist, then a designation of the place of business shall be given which will enable the location to be readily ascertained.

Before circulating a petition to hold a public hearing on a marketing order, its proponents shall notify the director of their intent to do so in order to ascertain the beginning date of the 90-day period.

After such notification to the director, the petition may be circulated among the producers or handlers affected. The petition shall bear a copy of the notice of intention. Signatures shall be secured within the time limit specified in this section. Any person may withdraw his name from a petition to hold a public hearing on any marketing order until the time the petition is presented to the director.

(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 644.)