(a) Location. Public agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of California, may conduct nonapproved cotton agronomic research at a maximum of twelve (12) locations for a total not to exceed two hundred forty (240) acres. Each planting shall be at least one-half ( ½ ) mile removed from any Acala or Pima planting cottonseed production area. Any approved cotton acreage within the test locations shall be included when computing the two hundred forty (240) acre limit.

(b) Application. Applications for permission to conduct nonapproved cotton agronomic research shall be made in writing to the director annually, on or before January 15 of each year, to provide for Board review and comment as required by Section 3820, Article 5. A plot map detailing the specific location(s) including Township, Range, Section, and acreage of the proposed planting(s) shall be received by the department on or before February 15 each year, so that the director may determine that the proposed location(s) does not fall within the isolation area designated in Section 3815(a).