(a)
Between July 1, 1983, and December 31, 1983, and in the same period each five years thereafter, the secretary shall, by the public hearing procedure, and if appropriate, the referendum procedure provided for in this article, determine whether the council program provided for in this chapter shall continue in effect.
(b)
If the secretary finds from evidence received at the hearing that a substantial question exists as to whether the council program is contrary to or does not effectuate the declared purposes or provisions of this chapter, the council program shall be submitted to referendum as provided in subdivision (c).
(c)
If the secretary determines that a referendum procedure is appropriate, the secretary shall establish a referendum period of not to exceed 30 days during which period ballots shall be submitted to all producers, producer-handlers, and handlers on a statewide basis. If the secretary determines that the referendum period does not provide sufficient time for the balloting, the secretary may extend the referendum for an additional period not to exceed 30 days. The ballots shall provide a “yes” or “no” voting alternative to the question:
“Shall the Dairy Council of California be continued for the next five fiscal years commencing July 1 following this referendum?”