Not earlier than 18 months or later than 36 months following issuance of an order under section 6303 of this title, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum among producers who, during a representative period as determined by the Secretary, have been engaged in the production of soybeans for the purpose of ascertaining whether the order then in effect shall be continued.

The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, provide broad public notice in advance of any referendum. Any such notice shall be provided without advertising expenses by means of newspapers, county newsletters, the electronic media, and press releases, through the use of notices posted in State and county Extension Service offices and county Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service offices, and by other appropriate means specified in the order. Such notice shall include information on when the referendum will be held, registration and voting requirements, rules regarding absentee voting, and other pertinent facts.

Such order shall be continued only if the Secretary determines that the order has been approved by not less than a majority of the producers voting in the referendum.

If continuation of the order is not approved by a majority of those voting in the referendum, the Secretary shall terminate collection of assessments under the order within 6 months after the referendum and shall terminate the order in an orderly manner as soon as practicable.