(a) The Texas Valley Citrus Committee, consisting of fifteen (15) members is hereby established. For each member of the committee there shall be an alternate who shall have the same qualifications as the member.

(b) Nine members shall be producers who produce fruit in the district which they represent and are residents of the production area. Two of the producer members shall be producers who market their fruit through cooperative marketing organizations, and seven of the producer members shall be independent producers. Producer members shall not have a proprietary interest in or be employees of a handler organization: Provided, That members of a cooperative marketing organization shall not be considered as having a proprietary interest in a handler organization because of such membership.

(c) Six members shall be handlers who are residents of the production area. One handler member shall represent cooperative marketing organizations; five handler members shall represent independent handlers.