(a) The department shall develop, maintain, and administer the agri-tech program to provide support for eligible institutions to conduct research projects on methods to address agricultural crises in this state.
(b) In awarding funds to support projects under this chapter, the department shall:
(1) give priority to applied research projects that the commissioner determines to be necessary to address an immediate agricultural crisis; and
(2) consider the recommendations of the Commodity Crisis Council for specific projects.

(c) The department shall award funds to support projects as needed to address agricultural crises in this state.
(d) The department shall develop and maintain guidelines and procedures to provide awards under this chapter for specific projects at eligible institutions on a competitive, peer-review basis.
(e) The department shall determine whether an institution of higher education qualifies as an eligible institution for the purposes of this chapter. To be designated as an eligible institution, an institution of higher education must demonstrate an exceptional capability to attract federal, state, and private funding for scientific and technical research and have an exceptionally strong research staff and the necessary equipment and facilities.
(f) In considering projects for selection, the commissioner shall give special consideration to projects that:
(1) leverage funds from other sources; and
(2) propose innovative, collaborative efforts:
(A) across academic disciplines;
(B) involving two or more eligible institutions; or
(C) involving eligible institutions, private industry, and the federal government.
(g) The commissioner may adopt rules necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.