§6209 Initial referendum

Summary

The Secretary must hold a referendum within 30 months after assessment collections begin under the order. The vote will include producers, producer-handlers, and importers who are not exempt and who produced or imported limes during a representative period set by the Secretary. The order stays in effect only if a majority of those voting approve it. Ballots and any reports that would show how a person voted must be kept strictly confidential. Ten percent of the assessments collected before the referendum results are announced must be put into an escrow account until the results are published. If the order is approved, those funds are released for the program. If the order is not approved, eligible producers, producer-handlers, or importers may request a refund in person under Board rules, on required forms and within a time set by the Board but at least 90 days after the results are published, and must prove they paid the assessment and did not pass it on. Any escrow money not refunded may be used to carry out the program.