For the purpose of ascertaining whether issuance of an order is approved by producers, importers, and in the case of an order assessing handlers, handlers, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum among producers, importers, and, in the case of an order assessing handlers, handlers, not exempt under section 4606(e)(4) of this title, that, during a representative period determined by the Secretary, have been engaged in the production, importation, or handling of honey or honey products.

No order issued under this chapter shall be effective unless the Secretary determines that—

No order issued under this chapter shall be effective unless the Secretary determines that—

(A) the order is approved by a majority of the producers, importers, and if covered by the order, handlers, voting in the referendum; and

(B) the producers, importers, and handlers comprising the majority produced, imported, and handled not less than 50 percent of the quantity of the honey and honey products produced, imported, and handled during the representative period by the persons voting in the referendum.

(2) Amendments to orders The Secretary may amend an order in accordance with the administrative procedures specified in sections 4604 and 4605 of this title, except that the Secretary may not amend a provision of an order that implements a provision of this chapter that specifically provides for approval in a referendum without the approval provided for in this section.

For the purpose of subsection (b)(1)(B)—

(1) In general Each producer-packer and each importer shall have 1 vote as a handler as well as 1 vote as a producer or importer (unless exempt under section 4606(e)(4) of this title) in all referenda concerning orders assessing handlers to the extent that the individual producer-packer or importer owes assessments as a handler.

For the purpose of subsection (b)(1)(B)—

(A) the quantity of honey or honey products on which the qualifying producer-packer or importer owes assessments as a handler shall be attributed to the person’s vote as a handler under paragraph (1); and

(B) the quantity of honey or honey products on which the producer-packer or importer owes an assessment as a producer or importer shall be attributed to the person’s vote as a producer or importer.

The ballots and other information or reports that reveal, or tend to reveal, the identity or vote of any producer, importer, or handler of honey or honey products shall be held strictly confidential and shall not be disclosed.

(Pub. L. 98–590, § 12, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 3123; Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, § 605(k), June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 600.)