(1) Any existing association which is fairly representative of the handlers of eggs in the state, such as the Kentucky Poultry Federation, Inc., may at any time after the enactment of KRS 247.850 to 247.865 make application to the State Board of Agriculture on forms prescribed by the board for certification and approval for the purpose of conducting a referendum among the handlers of eggs upon the question of levying an assessment under the provisions of KRS 247.850 to 247.865 and collecting and utilizing the same for the purpose stated in the referendum. Such application forms shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Applicant's name;
(b) Applicant's address;
(c) Date;
(d) Program to be undertaken for producers, retailers, and handlers;
(e) Brief statement of how the program is to be implemented;
(f) Referendum to be conducted on a statewide or an area basis;
(g) Proposed effective date of the program;
(h) Geographic area, by counties, of handlers to be affected by the program; and (i) Signature of the applicant.
(2) Upon receipt of the application, the commissioner shall publish the application through the medium of the public press in the state within ten (10) days of receipt thereof.