It is hereby further declared to be in the public interest and highly advantageous to the agricultural economy of the state that producers of burley tobacco shall be permitted by referendum, to be held among such respective groups, and subject to the provisions of KRS 247.710 to 247.785, to levy upon themselves an assessment on burley tobacco and provide for the collection of the same for the purpose of financing or contributing towards the financing of a program of research, market development and education to increase the domestic and foreign consumption, use, sale, and markets for burley tobacco and burley tobacco products.
KRS 247.725