To the extent that it is economically and scientifically feasible, it is the intent of the Legislature that the center shall award pest research funds obtained by the center on or after January 1, 1991, based upon a competitive application process and peer review. The center is encouraged to give high priority to exotic pest research proposals.

In awarding pest research funds, the center shall give priority to proposals that support pest control methods which use ecologically based and environmentally sound alternatives to pesticides and other chemicals, and eliminate or reduce pesticide use or eliminate or minimize pesticide residues, protect the public health and environment, and satisfy a majority of the following criteria: