“Department” or “NJDA” means the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

     “Farm Conservation Plan” means a site specific plan that prescribes needed land treatment and related conservation and natural resource management measures, including forest management practices, that are determined to be practical and reasonable for the conservation, protection and development of natural resources, the maintenance and enhancement of agricultural or horticultural productivity and the control and prevention of non-point source pollution.

     “Farm Management Unit” means a parcel or parcels of land, whether contiguous or noncontiguous, together with agricultural or horticultural buildings, structures and facilities, producing agricultural or horticultural products, and operated as a single enterprise.

     “Highlands Act” means the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, N.J.S.A. 13:20-1 et seq.

     “Highlands Preservation Area” means that portion of the Highlands region so designated by subsection b of section 7 of the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act (N.J.S.A. 13:20-7).

     “Local Soil Conservation District” means a soil conservation district established in accordance with the Soil Conservation Act, N.J.S.A. 4:24-1 et seq., which is regionally located and has jurisdiction on a county or multi-county basis.

     “Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)" means the technical agency of the USDA, authorized by Public Law 46 of the 74th Congress for the conservation of agricultural and related natural resources.

     “New Jersey Field Office Technical Guide (NJ-FOTG)" means the USDA-NRCS technical reference, customized for the State of New Jersey, prescribing practices and standards for the conservation and management of soil, water and related natural resources.

     “Resource Management System (RMS) Plan” means a site specific farm conservation plan that:

     1. Prescribes needed land treatment and related conservation and natural resources management measures, including forest management practices, for the conservation, protection, and development of natural resources, the maintenance and enhancement of agricultural or horticultural productivity, and the control and prevention of non-point source pollution; and

     2. Establishes criteria for resources sustainability of soil, water, air, plants, and animals.

     “State Soil Conservation Committee (SSCC)" means the committee established pursuant to the Soil Conservation Act, N.J.S.A. 4:24-1 et seq.

     “Technical Service Provider (TSP)" means NRCS certified professionals outside of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that help agricultural producers apply conservation practices on the land.

     “Temporary coverings” mean permeable, woven and non-woven geotextile fabrics that allow for water infiltration or impermeable materials that are in contact with the soil and are used for no more than two consecutive years.

     “USDA” means the United States Department of Agriculture.

Chapter Notes