In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Contested case” means a proceeding before the Department as provided under the Administrative Procedure Act, State Government Article, Title 10, Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Department” means the Maryland Department of Agriculture. “Secretary” means: The Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary's designee; and If a unit of the Department is authorized to conduct hearings, the head of that unit or the unit head's designee.