7 U.S.C. § 6003 — Issuance of plans

(a) In general. To carry out the policy stated in section 6001(b), the Secretary^* must issue and periodically amend plans for growers, grower^*-shellers, shellers, first handlers, and importers of pecans, subject to this chapter. Each plan^* must apply nationwide. Only one plan may be in effect under this chapter at a time. (b) Procedure. (1) Proposal for issuance of plan. The Secretary may propose a plan. An association of pecan^* growers or grower-shellers, or any other person^* affected by this chapter, may ask for a plan and submit a proposal. (2) Proposed plan. Within 60 days after receiving an interested person's request and proposal, or after deciding to propose a plan, the Secretary must publish a proposed plan and give proper notice and an opportunity for public comment. (3) Issuance of plan. After that notice and comment opportunity, the Secretary must issue a plan, considering the comments and including provisions needed to comply with this chapter. (4) Effective date of plan. The Secretary must issue the plan and make it effective no later than 150 days after publishing the proposed plan. (c) Amendments. The Secretary may amend a plan from time to time. The chapter's provisions that apply to a plan also apply to amendments.