R64-3-2. Definitions

  (1) "Technical Standards": means a collection of practices adopted by the Commission that will protect the environment in a reasonable and economical manner while still protecting the sustainability of agriculture.

  (2) "workbook": means information relating to the implementation of best management practices, education requirements, and information required for ACES certification. The workbook(s) is considered property of the owner/operator and remains in their possession. The workbook(s) shall be retained by the owner/operator and available for review by the Department upon request.

  (3) "Agriculture Sectors": means; a Farmstead, Animal Feeding Operation, Grazing or Pasture Operation, and Cropping System.

  (4) "Animal Feeding Operation" (AFO): means a lot or facility where the following conditions are met: animals have been, are, or will be stabled, housed, or confined and fed or maintained for a total of forty-five (45) days or more in any 12-month period; crops, vegetation, forage growth, or post-harvest residues are not sustained in the normal growing season over any portion of the lot or facility; and two or more AFOs under common ownership are considered to be a single AFO if they adjoin each other or if they use a common area or system for the storage or disposal of waste

  (5) "Best Management Practices" (BMP): means common acceptable practices, including but not limited to use of technology and management policies, used by sectors of agriculture in the production of food and fiber that protect and sustain natural resources.

  (6) "Certification Forms": means contact information and sector(s) verification page(s) that are reviewed by the planner and verified by the Department.

  (7) "Planner(s)": means a planner(s) of a local conservation district, or other qualified planner, that has been certified by NRCS or Grazing Improvement Program Coordinator(s), and is approved by the commission to certify an agriculture operation under the ACES Program.

  (8) "Commission": means the (Utah) Conservation Commission (UCC).

  (9) "Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or Nutrient Management Plan" (CNMP/NMP): means a plan to properly store, handle, and spread manure and other agriculture byproducts to protect the environment and provide nutrients for the production of crops (plants).

  (10) "Cropping": is the area where crops are planted, raised, and harvested. This includes but is not limited to fruits, vegetables, grain, oil seeds and alfalfa.

  (11) "Environmental Issues": means any negative or adverse effect on a natural resource caused by human impact(s) such as nutrients, pesticides, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, recreation, and sediment.

  (12) "Department": means the (Utah) Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF).

  (13) "DEQ": means the (Utah) Department of Environmental Quality.

  (14) "DWQ": means (Utah) Division of Water Quality.

  (15) "Education modules": means education materials which provide information on best management practices and current regulations either in workshops/training and/or online at Department of Agriculture and Food ACES site (http://ag.utah.gov/aces/index.html), that will inform and/or educate the producer on requirements in ACES.

  (16) "Farmstead": is considered to be the central area of operation which may include but not limited to home/office, yards, storage facilities, and other buildings.

  (17) "Grazing and Pasture": is considered to be any vegetated land that is grazed or has the potential to be grazed by animals.

  (18) "Grazing Improvement Program Coordinator(s)": are professionals who improve the productivity and sustainability of our rangeland and water sheds through properly managing grazing by time, timing, and intensity.

  (19) "NRCS": means the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

  (20) "Owner/Operator": means any person(s) who has legal, financial or daily decision making responsibility for the operation.

  (21) "Operation": means the agricultural entity requesting certification for ACES.

  (22) "Technical Service Providers (TSP)": are individuals, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, or public agencies outside of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that help agricultural producers apply conservation practices on the land, and/or NRCS certified.

  (23) "Verification": means an audit performed by the Department of Agriculture and Food.