§ 4:10-75 — Petition for participation by buyers or processors; referendum

The secretary is authorized to receive petitions from any buyer, processor or group of processors or buyers to participate and become directly affected by any marketing program authorized by this act. Except as provided in section 23 of this act, no buyer, processor or group of processors shall be affected by the provisions of this act or marketing programs issued pursuant thereto unless a petition signed by the buyer, processor or group of processors or an authorized agent thereof is received by the secretary. When such petition or petitions are received, the secretary shall notify the advisory council of the affected commodity; and the council shall recommend to the secretary such amendments to the program as may be desirable and necessary to provide for the participation of such buyer, processor, buyers or processors. If approved by a referendum of producers as provided in this act, processors or buyers who have petitioned for participation in a marketing program may be made subject to the remaining provisions of this act, including but not limited to assessments equal to those imposed on producers; representation on the commodity advisory council; and participation in any subsequent referendum in the same manner as provided for producers. L.1971, c. 308, s. 33, eff. Sept. 2, 1971.