§6011. Requirement of referendum
(a) In general
Not later than 24 months after the effective date of the plan first issued under section 6003 of this title, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum among growers, grower-shellers, and importers, who during a representative period determined by the Secretary have been engaged in the production or importation of pecans, for the purpose of ascertaining whether growers, grower-shellers, and importers favor continuation, termination, or suspension of the plan.
(b) Other referenda
(1) In general
After the referendum required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall hold a referendum on request of the Board or 10 percent or more of the total number of growers, grower-shellers, and importers, to determine if growers, grower-shellers, and importers favor the termination or suspension of the plan.
(2) Suspension or termination
The Secretary shall terminate or suspend such plan, in accordance with section 6012(b) of this title, whenever the Secretary determines that such suspension or termination is favored by a majority of those voting in a referendum.
(c) Costs of referendum
The Secretary shall be reimbursed from any assessments collected by the Board for any expenses incurred by the Department in connection with the conduct of any referendum under this chapter, except for the salaries of Government employees.
(d) Manner
(1) In general
Referenda conducted pursuant to this chapter shall be conducted in such a manner as is determined by the Secretary.
(2) Advance registration
A grower, grower-sheller, or importer who chooses to vote in any referendum conducted under this chapter shall register in person prior to the voting period at the appropriate local office of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, as determined by the Secretary, for such grower, grower-sheller, or by mailing such a request to the Secretary on behalf of an importer.
(3) Voting
A grower, grower-sheller, or importer who votes in any referendum conducted under this chapter shall vote in person at the appropriate local office of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, as determined by the Secretary or by mail to the Secretary.
(4) Notice
Each Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service office shall notify all growers, grower-shellers, and importers in the area of such office, as determined by the Secretary, at least 30 days prior to a referendum conducted under this chapter. Such notice shall explain the registration and voting procedures established under this subsection.
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