Article 8. Referendum of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 18. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 8.

A referendum of all cotton growers within the district shall be conducted if a petition, signed by not less than 5 percent of the cotton growers in the district, is submitted to the secretary, which calls for a referendum pertaining to the operation of this chapter.

This chapter shall remain operative if either of the following conditions is met:
  (a) Not less than 65 percent of the cotton growers certified by the secretary who voted in the referendum, voted in favor of this chapter, and those cotton growers so voting represent at least a majority of the cotton producing acreage of all cotton growers who voted in the referendum.
  (b) At least a majority of those cotton growers who voted in the referendum voted in favor of this chapter and those cotton growers so voting represent not less than 65 percent of the cotton producing acreage of all cotton growers who voted in the referendum.

Nonreceipt of a ballot shall not invalidate such a referendum.

If the secretary finds that a favorable vote has been given as provided in Section 52932, he or she shall so certify and give notice of that favorable vote to the cotton growers in the district.

If the secretary finds that a favorable vote has not been given as provided in Section 52932, the secretary shall so certify and declare all provisions of this chapter inoperative.

In addition to Section 52931, the board may hold a referendum whenever the board proposes changes to the Acala or Pima quality standard as provided in Section 52891.

A referendum shall be held if the board proposes to implement promotion and research funding as provided in Article 9.5 (commencing with Section 52951) of this chapter.

The board may call for a referendum at any time.