(a) Every six years, beginning in the 1992–93 marketing year, the secretary shall hold a hearing to determine whether operation of this chapter should be continued. If the secretary finds after the hearing that a substantial question exists among the producers assessed under this chapter regarding whether operation of this chapter should be continued, the secretary shall cause a referendum vote to be conducted among producers. If a referendum is required, the operation of this chapter shall continue if the secretary finds that a majority of producers voting in the referendum voted in favor of the continuation of this chapter, and those so voting handled a majority of the total quantity of walnuts handled in the preceding marketing years by all such producers voting in the referendum.
(b) If the secretary finds that a favorable vote has been given, the secretary shall so certify and this chapter shall remain in operation. If the secretary finds that a favorable vote has not been given, the secretary shall so certify and declare the operation of this chapter suspended upon expiration of the then current marketing year.
(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 409, Sec. 23. Effective September 22, 2006.)