A. Ten or ten percent of the producers or shippers of a fruit or vegetable, whichever is less, may petition the associate director to adopt a standard.

B. Ten or ten percent, whichever is less, of the producers or shippers of a fruit or vegetable for which a standard has been established by rule may petition the associate director to modify the standard.

C. Within thirty days after receiving a valid petition, the associate director, after notifying all other known producers and shippers of the fruit or vegetable, shall hold a public meeting to receive comment on the proposed new standard. Within fifteen days after the meeting, the associate director shall either deny the petition in writing stating the reasons for denial or initiate rulemaking proceedings.

D. This section does not apply to any commodity that is exempt from standardization under section 3-491.