(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.