§2107 Referenda

Summary

The Secretary must hold a vote of cotton producers to find out if they approve an order. An order only becomes effective if at least two-thirds of the producers voting approve it, or if the voting producers who grew at least two-thirds of the cotton during the Secretary’s chosen representative period approve it and a majority of producers voting approve. After November 28, 1990, the Secretary had to propose an amendment within 150 days and hold a special referendum within 8 months that included both producers and certain cotton importers (those who imported more than the de minimis amount during a specified 12‑month period ending not later than 90 days before the vote). The Secretary must announce the vote results within 30 days and, if the amendment wins a majority, publish the amendment and related rules within 90 days. Every five years after that special referendum, the Secretary will review whether another referendum is needed and announce the review results within 60 days. If the Secretary won’t start a referendum, 10% or more of the people who voted in the last referendum can force one (but no more than 20% of those requests can come from producers in one State or from importers). Requests are made at county offices, extension agents, or by mail during a sign‑up period of up to 90 days that starts 60 days after the Secretary’s announcement. If enough people sign up, the referendum must be held within 12 months after the sign‑up ends. The amendment does not take effect if a majority of producers and importers voting disapprove it.