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

“Blend price.” The actual price due or paid to producers after computation of the licensed dealer's or handler's producer obligation pursuant to the applicable rules, regulations or orders of the board or applicable orders established by the United States Department of Agriculture.

“Board.” The Milk Marketing Board.¹

“Cooperative.” A cooperative agricultural association or corporation of producers organized under the laws of this Commonwealth or of any other state, which qualifies as such under the provisions of the Federal Capper-Volstead Act, and engaged in making collective sales or in the marketing of milk for its own members. A cooperative shall not be deemed a milk dealer or handler but shall be deemed a producer, except as provided in section 3(a).²

“Handle” or “to handle.” The doing of any one or several or all of the following acts: to buy, sell, barter, acquire, store, process, consign, receive, transport or control as owner, buyer, seller, consignee, consignor, bailee, bailor, broker or factor.

“Handler.” A milk dealer.

“Milk.” Fluid milk sold to a dealer from a producer.

“Milk dealer.” Any person who purchases or receives or handles on consignment or otherwise milk within the Commonwealth, for sale, shipment, storage, processing or manufacture, within or without the Commonwealth, whether on behalf of the person or others, or both. This definition shall not include cooperatives as provided for in section 3(a). The term includes a vested milk dealer.

“Pay period.” The dates and terms of payment as required under section 5³ and under rules, regulations and orders of the board promulgated pursuant to section 5.

“Producer.” A person producing milk.

“Vested milk dealer.” A handler or milk dealer that, on the effective date of this definition, is participating in the security fund under section 9.⁴ The term does not include a handler or milk dealer participating in the security fund as of the effective date of this definition that at any time discontinues such participation in the security fund.