§6011 Requirement of Referendum

Summary

The Secretary must hold a vote no later than 24 months after the plan first takes effect under section 6003. The vote is for growers, grower-shellers, and importers who, during a representative period the Secretary chooses, were producing or importing pecans. The vote asks whether they want the plan continued, ended, or suspended. Later votes must be held if the Board or at least 10 percent of those growers, grower-shellers, and importers ask for one. If a majority of voters choose suspension or ending, the Secretary must suspend or end the plan under the law. The Board must repay the Department for referendum costs from its collected assessments, but not for government employees’ salaries. The Secretary sets how votes are run. Voters must register in person before voting at the local Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service office, or importers may mail a request. Voting is in person at that office or by mail. Each office must notify affected growers, grower-shellers, and importers at least 30 days before a vote and explain how to register and vote.