§ 6003. Issuance of plans

• (a) To effectuate the declared policy of section 6001(b) of this title , the Secretary shall, subject to this chapter, issue and from time to time amend, plans applicable to growers, grower-shellers, shellers, first handlers, and importers of pecans. Any such plan shall be national in scope. Not more than one plan shall be in effect under this chapter at any one time.
• (b)
  • (1) The Secretary may propose the issuance of a plan under this chapter, or an association of pecan growers or grower-shellers or any other person that will be affected by this chapter may request the issuance of, and submit a proposal for, such a plan.
  • (2) Not later than 60 days after the receipt of a request and proposal by an interested person for a plan, or when the Secretary determines to propose a plan, the Secretary shall publish a proposed plan and give due notice and opportunity for public comment on the proposed plan.
  • (3) After notice and opportunity for public comment are given, as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall issue a plan, taking into consideration the comments received and including in the plan provisions necessary to ensure that the plan is in conformity with the requirements of this chapter.
  • (4) Such plan shall be issued and become effective not later than 150 days following publication of the proposed plan.
• (c) The Secretary, from time to time, may amend any plan issued under this section. The provisions of this chapter applicable to a plan shall be applicable to amendments to a plan.