(a)
The commission shall establish the assessment for the following marketing year not later than the first day of each marketing year or as soon thereafter as is possible.
(b)
The assessment shall not exceed one cent ($0.01) per inshell pound on all walnuts shipped by producers to handlers or handled by producers.
(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 shall be a trustee of the funds until they are paid to the commission at the time and in the manner prescribed by the commission.
(d)
A fee greater than the amount provided for in subdivision (b) may not be charged unless and until a greater fee is approved by producers pursuant to the procedures specified in Section 77123.