CFO Pilot Projects CFO pilot projects will address resource problems and needs that are well documented and on a scale that will facilitate the evaluation of the effectiveness of the systems and practices installed, as well as that of the entire program. CFO pilot projects are intended to be simple, flexible, and should encourage sustainable agricultural production practices and support locally led conservation goals. An interdepartmental committee made up of representatives of several Federal agencies will review the proposals and make recommendations to the Chief, NRCS, who is a Vice President of the CCC, based on criteria available to the public in the CFO proposal package. The CFO proposal package is available from any FSA or NRCS local office. CCC will give preference to proposals that have high ratings based on the criteria upon which proposals will be evaluated.
Pilot projects can involve either an individual or a group.
Payment Eligibility Producers of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice who have farms with contract acres enrolled in production flexibility contracts established under the Agricultural Market Transition Act are eligible for payment. No funds will be paid or transferred to any group, or entity or individual other than through the CFO contracts with the individual producers. Any individual, organization, or entity may submit a proposal for a CFO pilot program. Proposals must be submitted according to instructions found in the CFO proposal package available from any FSA or NRCS local office. Responsibilities For group proposals, the individual, organization, or entity submitting the proposal will be responsible for providing leadership in the overall local planning effort which may include education, information delivery, monitoring and coordination with local, state or subdivisions thereof, tribal, and Federal agencies.