As used in sections 22-54p to 22-54t, inclusive:

(1) “Apples” means apples produced in the state for the purpose of sale;

(2) “Apple producer” means any person who produces or causes to be produced more than one thousand first sale units of apples in the state;

(3) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Agriculture;

(4) “Harvest crop” means the number of bushels or pounds of apples harvested for a season;

(5) “Distributor” or “handler” means any person, other than the producer, who sells, causes to be sold or markets a first sale unit;

(6) “First sale unit” means a unit of sale of apples of between thirty-six and forty-four pounds, sold for fresh market use in boxes, cartons, baskets or other containers or, if sold on a per pound basis or in bulk, means forty pounds;

(7) “Fresh market” means the sale of apples in the whole and unadulterated state in which such apples were harvested;

(8) “Marketing” means the act or process of selling or purchasing in an apple market and includes advertising and promotion of apples or apple products and associated marketing research;

(9) “Market order” means an order issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture pursuant to § 22-54q for marketing research and promotion of apples and apple products, including an assessment to support such marketing research and promotion;

(10) “Marketing season” means the period beginning July first of any year and ending June thirtieth of the following year;

(11) “Storage” means any building, structure or place where apples are kept in a cold, refrigerated or controlled atmosphere.