Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Program: Procedures for the Conduct of Referendum

This final rule sets forth the procedures for conducting a referendum to determine if producers and importers favor continuation of the Pork Checkoff Program, formally known as the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (Order). The Pork Checkoff Program was implemented September 5, 1986, as authorized by the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985 (Act). The Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) will conduct a referendum among persons who have been producers and importers during the period August 18, 1999, through August 17, 2000, to determine whether producers and importers favor the continuation of the Pork Checkoff Program. Producers and importers can vote from August 18, 2000, through September 21, 2000. The Pork Checkoff Program would be terminated if a majority of producers and importers voting in the referendum favor termination.