§2107 Referenda

Summary

Hold a vote of cotton producers to see if they approve an order. The Secretary must run that vote among people who raised cotton during a representative time set by the Secretary. An order only takes effect if at least two-thirds of the producers who vote approve it, or if the voters include producers who made at least two-thirds of the cotton produced in the representative period and more than half of the voting producers approve. After November 28, 1990, the Secretary had to publish a proposed amendment within 150 days and then hold a special vote within 8 months. That vote included both producers and importers who, in the 12 months ending no later than 90 days before the vote, imported more than the de minimis quantity set under section 2116(c)(2). The Secretary must announce results within 30 days and, if approved, publish the amendment and rules within 90 days of that announcement. Every five years after that vote, the Secretary must review whether another vote is needed and announce the review within 60 days. If the Secretary won’t start a vote, 10% or more of the most recent voters can petition for one (but no more than 20% of petitions can come from producers in one State or from importers). A sign-up period of up to 90 days begins 60 days after the Secretary’s announcement, and the vote must be held within 12 months after sign-up ends. The amendment fails if a majority of producers and importers voting disapprove.