(a) The purpose of this Article is to place within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services the authority and responsibility for investigating insect infestations and disease infections which affect stands of forest trees, the devising of control measures for interested landowners and others, and taking measures to control, suppress, or eradicate outbreaks of forest insect pests and tree diseases.
(b) In this Article, unless the context requires otherwise, the expression "Department" means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture.