The grant could provide up to $200,000.
The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) to agricultural producers, into government technical manuals and guides, or to the private sector. CIG generally funds pilot projects, field demonstrations, and on-farm conservation research. On-farm conservation research is defined as an investigation conducted to answer a specific applied conservation question using a statistically valid design while employing farm-scale equipment on farms, ranches or private forest lands. For FY 2022, NRCS Virginia will prioritize proposals that involve innovation in research, demonstration, outreach, education, or lead to improved technical assistance through conservation planning for improved implementation of: (a) establishing improved forbs in perennial grassland systems to improve stand diversity, forage quality and soil health; and (b) greater implementation of pollinator habitat restoration as defined in the Full Announcement.