2.__Rate.__The rate of the fee levied under this chapter is established for each fee period on the basis of the basic price of milk in effect on the Sunday following the first Sunday of the fee period in accordance with the following:

A.__If the basic price is $18.50 per hundredweight and above, the rate of the milk handling fee is 0__per gallon;

B.__If the basic price is $18.00 to $18.49 per hundredweight, the rate of the milk handling fee is 1__per gallon;

C.__If the basic price is $17.50 to $17.99 per hundredweight, the rate of the milk handling fee is 2__per gallon;

D.__If the basic price is $17.00 to $17.49 per hundredweight, the rate of the milk handling fee is 4__per gallon;

E.__If the basic price is $16.50 to $16.99 per hundredweight, the rate of the milk handling fee is 8__per gallon;

F.__If the basic price is $16.00 to $16.49 per hundredweight, the rate of the milk handling fee is 10__per gallon; and

G.__If the basic price is below $16.00 per hundredweight, the rate of the milk handling fee is 12__per gallon.

For any container other than a gallon, the fee is computed on a gallon-equivalent basis.

3.__Fee calculation.__Handlers shall pay the fee for each fee period on all milk subject to the fee sold during the fee period and are either:

A.__Subject to the minimum wholesale prices paid to dealers established by the Maine Milk Commission pursuant to Title 7, chapter 603; or

B.__Not subject to minimum wholesale prices paid to dealers but subject to minimum retail prices established by the Maine Milk Commission pursuant to Title 7, chapter 603.