Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions in this article govern the construction of this chapter.

“Books and records” means books, records, contracts, documents, memoranda, papers, correspondence, or other written data pertaining to matters relating to the activities subject to this chapter.

“Commission” means the California Agave Commission.

“Cultivate” or “cultivated” means to plant, tend, harvest, or improve agave. Cultivated acreage does not include acreage removed from cultivation due to weather, disease, or other circumstances beyond the control of the grower.

“Ex officio members” means nonvoting members of the commission board of directors.

“Grower” means a person who commercially cultivates agave, or causes agave to be cultivated, not in a container and on two acres or more during the marketing season.

“Market” or “marketing” means to sell agave and agave products into commercial channels of trade.

“Marketing season” or “fiscal year” are synonymous terms and mean the period beginning April 1 of any year and extending through March 31 of the following year.

“Process” or “processing” means to engage in the business of a processor.

“Public member” means a person appointed to the commission board of directors pursuant to the procedures specified in this chapter.

“Secretary” means the Secretary of Food and Agriculture.