(a) Form of application.--Applications for loans shall be made to the board on the form and in the manner it prescribes.

(b) Review of application.--Applications for sustainable agriculture loans shall be submitted to the executive director. The executive director shall review, evaluate and submit loan applications to the board. The board shall review and approve, approve with special conditions or reject applications on the basis of the eligibility criteria set forth in this act.

(c) Award of loans.--The department shall award loans to applicants according to the decision of the board.