Nominations for members of the Board shall be made in the following manner:

(a) The Secretary shall solicit nominations for the initial Board from individual fluid milk processors and other interested parties, including eligible organizations. Fluid milk processors and other interested parties may submit nominations for positions on the Board for regions in which they are located or market fluid milk, and for at-large members. Eligible organizations may submit a slate of nominees for seats in all regions and for at-large members.

(b) After the appointment of the initial Board, the Secretary shall announce at least 180 days in advance of the expiration of members' terms that such terms are expiring, and shall solicit nominations for such positions in the manner described in paragraph (a) of this section. Nominations for such positions should be submitted to the Secretary not less than 120 days prior to the expiration of members' terms.