The funds derived from any assessments levied upon the sale of catfish feed as authorized under this article shall be used and expended by the certified association, after such funds are remitted to it by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, for the purpose of promoting and stimulating by advertising and other methods the increased use and sale of catfish and catfish products, and such funds may also be used for the financing or contributing toward the financing of research, experimental and educational programs for the efficient and economical production, distribution, processing and marketing of catfish and catfish products. The certified association may enter into cooperative agreements with appropriate agencies of any public or private institution or organization, and funds derived from assessments, to the extent agreed upon, may be contributed to such public or private institution or agency for such research, experimental and educational work performed pursuant to such an agreement. The certified association may also formulate and establish a plan for advertising and sales promotion and, to carry out such a promotional program, agreements may be entered into with advertising and public relations agencies or similar organizations. All funds expended under this article shall be expended for purposes consistent with and in keeping with the purpose or purposes of this article. Any funds expended by the certified association inconsistent with such purposes and provisions shall be deemed an unauthorized expenditure of such funds. Any funds approved for expenditure under this article for a promotional program as authorized under this article are hereby appropriated for disbursement and expenditure by said certified association to carry out any such approved promotional program or programs. It shall not be necessary for the Legislature to make any specific or general appropriation for such disbursements or expenditures nor shall such disbursements or expenditures be subject to the budget and allotment requirements of Article 4 of Chapter 4 of Title 41, and such disbursements and expenditures shall not be restricted or subject to any other requirements for general or special appropriations. The payment of salaries, purchase of equipment and payment of other expenses necessary to carry out the provisions, requirements and purposes of this article shall be deemed authorized expenditures from funds received from assessments levied under this article.