§2708 Referendum among egg producers

Summary

The Secretary must hold a vote of egg producers who made commercial eggs during a time the Secretary chooses. The vote asks whether producers approve creating an order. The order only takes effect if at least two-thirds of voting producers approve it, or if a majority approve and those voters produced at least two-thirds of the commercial eggs during the chosen period. If the Egg Board shows, with studies or analysis, that the assessment rate (the fee producers pay) should be raised, the Egg Board can ask the Secretary to hold a vote on the change. The same approval rules apply: two-thirds of voters, or a majority whose egg production equals two-thirds of the eggs. For the order in effect on December 14, 1993, the Egg Board had to decide soon after that date whether to ask for a vote. If the Egg Board asked, the Secretary must hold the vote within 120 days of the request, or within 170 days if the Office of Management and Budget says extra review is needed. If producers approve an increase and authority for more increases, the Secretary must change the order and the change becomes effective the day it is issued. If producers do not approve an amendment, the existing order stays in effect.