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

(b) Review of application.--Applications for sustainable agriculture grants and alternative crop grants shall be submitted to the executive director. The executive director shall review, evaluate and submit grant 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. The board may exercise its judgment in selecting applicants for grants and in determining the amount of each grant so that the widest practicable distribution of funds is achieved and the widest possible audience is acquainted with the principles of sustainable agriculture.

(c) Grant awards.--The department shall issue grants to applicants according to the decision of the board.