Subdivision 1. Application.
The definitions in this section apply to sections 17.9891 to 17.993 .
Subd. 2. Certification.
"Certification" means a producer has demonstrated compliance with all applicable environmental rules and statutes for all of the producer's owned and rented agricultural land and has achieved a satisfactory score through the certification instrument as verified by a certifying agent.
Subd. 3. Certifying agent.
"Certifying agent" means a person who is authorized by the commissioner to assess producers to determine whether a producer satisfies the standards of the program.
Subd. 4. Effective control.
"Effective control" means possession of land by ownership, written lease, or other legal agreement and authority to act as decision-maker for the day-to-day management of the operation at the time the producer achieves certification and for the required certification period.
Subd. 5. Eligible land.
"Eligible land" means all acres of a producer's agricultural operation, whether contiguous or not, that are under the effective control of the producer at the time the producer enters into the program and that the producer operates with equipment, labor, and management.
Subd. 6. Program.
"Program" means the Minnesota agricultural water quality certification program.
Subd. 7. Technical assistance.
"Technical assistance" means professional, advisory, or cost-share assistance provided to individuals in order to achieve certification.