(a)
The commission shall establish the assessment for the marketing year by July 1 of each year or as soon thereafter as is possible.
(b)
The assessment shall be one-fourth cent ($0.0025) per pound of apples marketed for fresh consumption during the 1994–95 marketing year. Thereafter, the assessment shall not exceed three-fourth cent ($0.0075) per pound of apples marketed for fresh consumption, except as provided in subdivision (d).
(c)
Assessments provided for in this section shall be levied on the producer. The handler shall deduct the assessment from amounts paid by him or her to the producer, and is a trustee of the funds until they are paid to the commission at the time and in the manner prescribed by the commission.
(d)
An assessment greater than the amount provided for in subdivision (b) may not be charged unless a greater fee is approved by a majority of the commission and by eligible producers pursuant to procedures specified in Section 75612.