(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 4-9a, on or before the fifteenth day of the month after the issuance of a market order the commissioner shall appoint an Apple Marketing Board consisting of six apple producers, a member of the general public and the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, or his designee, who shall be a nonvoting member of the board. The members who are apple producers shall be appointed from nominations submitted by the Connecticut Pomological Society or any apple producer. Three of the apple producers shall be from the area west of the Connecticut River and three shall be from the area east of said river. The commissioner shall also appoint three alternate members of the commission, one from the area west of the Connecticut River, one from the area east of said river and one who is a member of the general public. Alternates may attend all meetings of the board. If a regular member of the board from an area is absent, the chairperson may designate the alternate from such area to act. The members shall serve terms of three years, provided of the members first appointed, two members, one from each district, shall serve for a term of one year; two members, one from each district shall serve for a term of two years, and two members, one from each district, shall serve for a term of three years. The alternates and the member representing the general public shall be appointed for terms of three years. Members of the board shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses in the performance of their duties. Such expenses shall be paid from money collected by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of § 22-54r. At its first meeting the board shall elect a chairperson and such other officers as it deems necessary. Four members who are apple producers and the member representing the general public shall constitute a quorum.

(b) The board shall: (1) Implement the market order with the commissioner’s approval and on or before August fifteenth of each marketing season shall prepare and submit to the commissioner a budget to administer the order and the program created thereunder; (2) conduct marketing research beneficial to the apple industry in the state; (3) assist the commissioner in the collection of the assessment imposed pursuant to § 22-54r and (4) recommend revisions to the market order. The board shall prepare and, upon approval of the commissioner, conduct a publicity program to maintain and enhance existing apple markets and create new markets. Such program shall not refer to any particular brand or trade name or disparage the quality, value, sale or use of any other agricultural commodity. The board shall annually appoint an auditor to audit the funds collected pursuant to § 22-54r. The auditor, appointed pursuant to this subsection, shall submit a copy of the audit report to the Auditors of Public Accounts.

(c) Each apple producer shall file with the board, on forms provided by the board, information on the harvested crop of such producer, including the number of first sale units and the disposition of such units at fresh markets, cold storage or other destinations. The board shall provide the commissioner with such information as the commissioner deems necessary to fulfill the purposes of sections 22-54p to 22-54t, inclusive.