The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Agricultural erosion and sedimentation plan.” An erosion and sedimentation plan established under The Clean Streams Law.

“Best management practices.” A practice or combination of practices determined by the commission to be effective and practicable, given technological, economic and institutional considerations, to manage and conserve land, water and related resources and to manage nutrients to protect surface water and groundwater, taking into account applicable nutrient requirements for crop utilization. Best management practices shall include, but not be limited to:

“Commission.” The State Conservation Commission established by the Conservation District Law.

“Conservation District Law.” The act of May 15, 1945 (P.L. 547, No. 217),¹ known as the Conservation District Law.

“Eligible borrower.” Any person, individual, partnership, corporation or legal entity who has an interest in property in this Commonwealth, who engages in agricultural operation in this Commonwealth, who has legal and financial responsibility for the agricultural operation and who has developed an approved nutrient management plan under Chapter 5 (relating to nutrient management and odor management), a manure management plan or an agricultural erosion and sedimentation plan or other commission-approved Federal or State conservation program or approved best management practices.

“Lending institution.” Any financial institution that is authorized to issue commercial loans, is a State depository approved by the Board of Finance and Revenue and enters into an agreement with the State Treasurer for participation in the Agriculture-Linked Investment Program. The term includes any agricultural credit association affiliated with the Farm Credit Bank, a federally chartered instrumentality pursuant to the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-181, 12 U.S.C. § 2001 et seq.), as amended, that enters into an agreement with the State Treasurer for participation in the Agriculture-Linked Investment Program.

“Manure management plan.” A manure management plan established under The Clean Streams Law.

“Nutrient management plan.” A written site-specific nutrient plan approved by the commission or its delegated agent which incorporates best management practices to manage the use of plant nutrients for crop production and water quality protection consistent with the criteria established under Chapter 5.

“Odor management plan.” A written site-specific plan approved by the commission or its delegated agent which incorporates best management practices to reduce or mitigate odor consistent with the criteria established under Chapter 5.

“The Clean Streams Law.” The act of June 22, 1937 (P.L. 1987, No. 394),² known as The Clean Streams Law.