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:

“Agricultural community.” Persons involved in production agriculture and agricultural processing facilities.

“Agricultural processing facilities.” Facilities involved in the slaughter and/or processing of livestock or livestock products, milk or dairy products, poultry or poultry products and other facilities approved by the Department of Agriculture.

“Board.” The Agricultural By-Product Management Technology Board.

“By-product management technology.” That technology which the Agricultural By-Product Management Technology Board determines will help, assist or facilitate the reduction of potential pollutants to air or water, diminish odors and pathogens associated with and being the natural result of agricultural production, or any technology that the board determines will further the purpose of this act.

“Department.” The Department of Agriculture of the Commonwealth.

“Digester.” A process that through anaerobic or aerobic digestion, photosynthetic purification or a combination of these processes causes the decomposition of manure, animal carcasses, offal and other agricultural by-products and nutrients, resulting in the release of methane, which may be used to supply energy for onsite use and surplus energy which can be sold to electric utilities or private electric companies.

“Normal agricultural operation.” The activities, practices, equipment and procedures that farmers adopt, use or engage in, in the production and preparation for market of poultry, livestock and their products and in the production, harvesting and preparation for market or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural and aquacultural crops and commodities. The term includes new activities, practices, equipment and procedures consistent with technological development within the agricultural industry.

“Production agriculture.” The management and use of farming resources for the production of agricultural crops, livestock or livestock products, milk or dairy products, poultry or poultry products or for practices approved by the Department of Agriculture.

“Secretary.” The Secretary of Agriculture of the Commonwealth.