1. To participate in the program, the landowner shall make application to the director in writing. The written application shall show the number of acres to be placed in the program and that the land which is to be placed in the agroforestry program meets the eligibility requirements of this section. The application shall also contain a detailed plan of the landowner’s proposal to meet the requirements of sections 252.300 to 252.333, including the type and number of trees to be planted, established, or managed, the type of compatible grass, other crops and such other information as may be deemed necessary. The number of trees required to satisfy eligibility may vary with agroforestry practice, but in each case shall be a sufficient number to guarantee the success of the practice and shall be consistent with standards established for each practice.

2. The director shall review each application. In reviewing the application the director shall determine the type or types of soil located in the area of the land proposed to be included in the agroforestry program and shall apply the land capability classification system to determine the potential or limitations of the land for inclusion in the program. Before the director acts upon the application, an on-site inspection shall be made by a representative of the department of conservation or its approved agent. The inspecting representative shall attest to the efficacy of the agroforestry plan to be used, the number of acres to be placed under agroforestry management, the species and number of trees to be planted, established, or managed, and other crop components of the proposed program. After the report of the on-site inspector and the review by the director, the director shall determine the landowner’s eligibility to participate in the agroforestry program and shall determine the amount of cost sharing, including in-kind and labor components, for the landowner. If the director fails to approve an application, the aggrieved landowner may request a hearing before the conservation commission or its authorized representative within thirty days of notice to the landowner of the failure of the conservation department to approve the application, or the landowner may proceed under the provisions of section 536.150 as if the act of the conservation department was one not subject to administrative review. If an action is brought pursuant to section 536.150, venue shall be in Cole County.