(a) For each committee member there shall be an alternate who shall have the same qualifications. During a member's absence, or when called upon to do so in accordance with the terms hereof, or in the event of a member's death, removal, resignation, or disqualification, an alternate shall act in his place and stead until the member's successor is selected and has qualified.

(b) Area committees, with the Secretary's approval, may provide through rules for members or for alternates to recommend regulations for early crop potatoes or for late crop potatoes and to specify the particular crop for which each group shall be responsible.