§6210. Suspension and termination

§6210. Suspension and termination

(a) Finding of Secretary

If the Secretary finds that an order issued under section 6203(a) of this title, or a provision of such order, obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the purposes of this chapter, the Secretary shall terminate or suspend the operation of such order or provision.

(b) Periodic referenda

The Secretary may periodically conduct a referendum to determine if lime producers, producer-handlers, and importers favor the continuation, termination, or suspension of any order issued under section 6203(a) of this title and in effect at the time of such referendum.

(c) Required referenda

The Secretary shall hold a referendum under subsection (b)—

(1) at the request of the Board; or

(2) if not less than 10 percent of the lime producers, producer-handlers, and importers subject to assessment under this chapter submit a petition requesting such a referendum.

(d) Limitation

The termination or suspension of any order, or any provision thereof, shall not be considered an order within the meaning of this chapter.

(e) Vote

The Secretary shall suspend or terminate the order at the end of the marketing year if the Secretary determines that—

(1) the suspension or termination of the order is favored by not less than a majority of those persons voting in a referendum under subsection (b); and

(2) the producers, producer-handlers, and importers comprising this majority produce and import more than 50 percent of the volume of limes produced and imported by those voting in the referendum.