For purposes of this Article, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Agricultural emergency" means an emergency, as defined in G.S. 166A-19.3, that results in exposure of or damage to pre- or post-harvest of plants, livestock, feed, water resources, or infrastructure which adversely affects one or more members of the agricultural community and the economic viability of the agriculture industry within the State.
(2) "Agricultural Emergency Response Team" means employees of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services who have been designated by the Commissioner to respond to agricultural emergencies, as authorized by G.S. 106-1043, and any personnel operating under agreement with the Department as a contracted service, including, but not limited to, private companies and units of local government.
(3) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture.
(4) "Department" means the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. (2016-113, s. 2(a).)