(a) In addition to the requirements established by the department, the applicant shall demonstrate that the changes to the existing goals, objectives, policies, or programs of the city, county, or city and county that will logically result from the grant will improve protection of agricultural land, grazing land, or grasslands.
(b) The department shall develop and adopt guidelines and criteria for awarding grants that achieve the greatest lasting preservation of agricultural land. The department shall develop these guidelines in consultation with farming and ranching groups, agricultural land conservation groups, the State Coastal Conservancy, and the Wildlife Conservation Board.