(a)
“Producer” means any person in this state who grows peppers for market and who, upon request, provides proof of commodity sale. “Producer” does not include any person who grows less than 10 acres of peppers, or produces less than 100 tons of fresh peppers, or the equivalent in dry peppers or pepper seed, in the current marketing year.
(b)
The acreage and tonnage thresholds specified in subdivision (a) may be decreased only if approved by referendum pursuant to Section 77311 to 77316, inclusive. For purposes of a referendum conducted pursuant to this subdivision, the terms “producer” and “handler” in Sections 77311 to 77316, inclusive, include persons who would become subject to this chapter if the referendum is approved.