; (C) waivers granted by the Secretary under section 1001D(b)(3) of this Act; (D) exceptions and activity associated with section 1240B(h)(2); and (E) exceptions provided by the Secretary under section 1265B(b)(2)(C). . 2502. Delivery of technical assistance (a) Definitions Section 1242(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3842(a) ) is amended to read as follows: (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible participant The term eligible participant means a producer, landowner, or entity that is participating in, or seeking to participate in, programs in which the producer, landowner, or entity is otherwise eligible to participate under this title. (2) Third-party provider The term third-party provider means a commercial entity (including a farmer cooperative, agriculture retailer, or other commercial entity (as defined by the Secretary)), a nonprofit entity, a State or local government (including a conservation district), or a Federal agency, that has expertise in the technical aspect of conservation planning, including nutrient management planning, watershed planning, or environmental engineering. . (b) Certification of third-Party providers Section 1242(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3842(e) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (4) Alternative certification (A) In general In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall approve any qualified certification that the Secretary determines meets or exceeds the national criteria provided under paragraph (3)(B). (B) Qualified certification In this paragraph, the term qualified certification means a professional certification that is established by the Secretary, an agriculture retailer, a farmer cooperative, the American Society of Agronomy, or the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants, including certification— (i) as a Certified Crop Advisor by the American Society of Agronomy; (ii) as a Certified Professional Agronomist by the American Society of Agronomy