(a)
Every five years, commencing with the 2004–05 marketing year, the secretary shall hold a hearing to determine whether the operation of this chapter shall be continued in effect. If the secretary finds, following the hearing, that a substantial question exists among producers assessed under this chapter as to whether the operation of this chapter shall be continued in effect, the secretary shall conduct a referendum vote among producers to determine whether the operation of this chapter shall be approved and continued in effect. A favorable vote under this section shall be found if the secretary determines from the referendum that a majority of the eligible producers voting in the referendum voted in favor of continuing the operations of this chapter.
(b)
If the secretary finds, following the referendum vote, that a favorable vote has been given as provided in subdivision (a), the secretary shall so certify and this chapter shall remain in operation. If the secretary finds that a favorable vote has not been given as provided in subdivision (a), the secretary shall so certify and declare the operation of this chapter and the commission suspended upon expiration of the then current marketing year. At that time, the operations of the commission shall be concluded and funds distributed in the manner provided in Section 76383.