(a) This program may be terminated or suspended pursuant to the provisions of article 25 of the Agriculture and Markets Law and the rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner pursuant thereto.

(b) At least once during each six-year period that the program is in effect, the commissioner shall conduct a referendum of onion growers in the area affected to substantiate approval of the program; and provided further, in the event a petition to terminate or suspend the program is exercised as provided herein, a new six-year period will begin effective the first of April following the date of certification of approval of the program by the commissioner.