Upon being certified by the State Board of Agriculture and Industries in the manner set forth in Section 2-8-154, such organization shall thereupon be fully authorized and empowered to hold and conduct on the part of the producers of eggs in Alabama a referendum wherein they shall be entitled to vote on the question of whether or not an assessment shall be levied upon such producers under and subject to and for the purpose stated in this article. The referendum may be conducted either on a statewide or area basis as may be determined by the certified association and approved by the State Board of Agriculture and Industries.