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Agriculture Grants and Funding in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, producers, processors, and agri‑food organizations can combine federal and provincial programs to finance growth, resilience, and innovation. From Sustainable CAP cost‑share funding to loans from the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board and FCC, the mix of grants, incentives, and financing is broad. This directory clarifies options for farm start‑up, expansion, equipment, climate adaptation, and value‑added projects across the province.

65 programs
  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 100,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-financial cooperative
    Timeline
    Open Date : July 9, 2024
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Up to 70% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Sole proprietorship
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation

    Supports innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships in Atlantic fisheries
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) logo
    Tax CreditsOpen

    Atlantic Investment Tax Credit

    Tax relief for Atlantic investments
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 10% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, Utilities, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business
    Canada
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  • LearnSphere logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring

    Money for commercialization in Atlantic Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 16,250 $ · Up to 65% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, Utilities, Construction
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Finance and Treasury Board (NS) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Drought Recovery Initiative

    Support for drought-hit Nova Scotia farms
    Eligible Funding
    From $200 to $500,000 · Up to 70% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Timeline
    Open Date : July 3, 2026 · Closing date : November 30, 2026
    NS, Canada
  • Efficiency Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Efficiency Nova Scotia — Agriculture Program

    Energy rebates for agricultural businesses
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 2,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and Climate
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 350,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business, Non-profit, Social economy enterprise
    NS, Canada
  • Get grants in agriculture in Nova Scotia for your business

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  • Efficiency Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund (FAEEIF)

    Provincial funding for sustainable energy-efficient fisheries practices
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 250,000 $ · Up to 80% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen

    Food Ventures Program

    Supports Nova Scotia food businesses with quality and safety services
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Accommodation and food services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NS, Canada
  • Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) logo
    Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen

    GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program

    Connect with skilled graduates in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 30,360 $ · Up to 66% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, Utilities, Construction
    Types of eligible projects
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit
    NS, Canada
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  • Horse Rescue Fund (HRF) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Horse Rescue Fund — General Funding

    Financial help for equine care
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Health care and social assistance, Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation
    Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Nova Scotia Farm Loans

    Flexible financing for Nova Scotia agriculture
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 500,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NS, Canada
  • Clean Foundation logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Nova Scotia’s Thriving Forests program

    Fully funded tree planting support in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Construction, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and Climate
    NS, Canada
  • National Research Council Canada (NRC) logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesOpen

    NRC — Marine research station

    Marine research facility in Ketch Harbour, Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Turn funding opportunities in agriculture in Nova Scotia into strong applications

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  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 20,000 $ · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Professional, scientific and technical services, Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services, Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and Climate
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    NL, NS, Canada
  • Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Plant Your Roots Program

    Support for new farm ownership and loan interest
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 100,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Timeline
    Open Date : April 1, 2026 · Closing date : February 15, 2027
    NS, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Plant Your Roots Program — Commercial Farm Purchases

    Interest rebate for new commercial farm ownership
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 100,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business
    Timeline
    Open Date : April 1, 2026 · Closing date : February 15, 2027
    NS, Canada
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  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)

    Supports Nova Scotia seafood businesses in expanding market access
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 99,900 $ · Up to 80% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Financial cooperative, Sole proprietorship, Non-financial cooperative
    NS, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Vessel Loan Program

    Loans for fishing vessels, engines and equipment in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation Business Buyout
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NS, Canada
  • Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture logo
    Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpenClosing Soon

    Get Growing Program

    Support for small farm growth in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 5,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Timeline
    Open Date : April 1, 2026 · Closing date : September 30, 2026
    NS, Canada
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  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingOpenClosing Soon

    Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program

    Helps Nova Scotia food businesses meet food safety requirements
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 30,000 $ · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Retail trade
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    Timeline
    Open Date : May 1, 2025 · Closing date : September 15, 2026
    NS, Canada
  • Ulnooweg logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

    Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans

    Loans for Indigenous youth and women entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Agricultural Research and Innovation Program

    Funding for agricultural research and on-farm innovation
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 50,000 $ · Up to 85% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-profit
    NS, Canada
  • Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Apiculture Sustainable Growth and Health Program

    Funding for hive health and pollination growth
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and Climate
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NS, Canada
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  • Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Arts, entertainment and recreation, Accommodation and food services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateHuman Resources
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Clean Foundation logo
    Wage Subsidies And InternsClosed

    Clean Foundation — Green Jobs

    Wage subsidies for youth internships in natural resources
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 30,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateHuman Resources
    Legal Structure
    Public or Parapublic institution
    NS, Canada
  • Clean Foundation logo
    Wage Subsidies And InternsClosed

    Clean Leadership Summer Internships — Nova Scotia

    Wage subsidies for clean economy summer internships
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 60% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Transportation and warehousing, Information and cultural industries, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateHuman Resources
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Social economy enterprise, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Find funding programs in agriculture in Nova Scotia that fit your project

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  • Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Other services (except public administration), Public administration
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots

    Funding for early-stage businesses in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 40 $ · Up to 90% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and Climate
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
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  • Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 20,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Nova Scotia Local Beef Processing Program

    Funding for local beef processing projects in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 250,000 $ · Up to 25% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Get grants in agriculture in Nova Scotia for your business

    Tell us about your business and project so we can identify relevant funding programs and practical next steps.

  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund

    Supports transformative, innovative projects in Nova Scotia's seafood and agriculture
    Eligible Funding
    From $500,000 to $1,125,000 · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Perennia — On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)

    Supports Nova Scotia farmers adopting climate-friendly practices
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 100,000 $ · Up to 85% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and Climate
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Financial cooperative, Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-financial cooperative
    NS, Canada
  • Platform

    Discovery at scale.

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  • Turn funding opportunities in agriculture in Nova Scotia into strong applications

    Build a clearer funding plan and prepare stronger applications with guidance from our funding team.

  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    The Nova Scotia Beef Initiative

    Supports local beef processing in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 15,000 $ · Up to 60% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationEnvironment and ClimateHuman Resources
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Financial cooperative, Sole proprietorship, Non-financial cooperative
    NS, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Value-adding Equipment Program

    Funding for agricultural and agri-food businesses in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 50,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NS, Canada

Frequently asked questions about agriculture grants in Nova Scotia

Here are clear answers to common questions about Nova Scotia agriculture grants, cost‑share programs, eligibility, and how to apply in 2026.

What farm grants are available in Nova Scotia in 2026?

Options include Sustainable CAP Nova Scotia funding, AgriStability, AgriInvest, AgriInsurance, OFCAF climate support, FarmNEXT for new entrants, Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board financing, ACOA agri‑food funding, FCC loans, and sector‑specific cost‑share programs. Availability and intake windows vary by stream.

How do I apply for Nova Scotia farm grants?

Confirm eligibility, prepare a detailed budget and quotes, complete required plans (e.g., Environmental Farm Plan), and submit before deadlines. Keep procurement rules, stacking limits, and cost windows in mind. Maintain records for claims and potential audits.

What is the cost‑share percentage for irrigation projects?

Cost‑share rates vary by program and year. Some streams support irrigation pond construction, drip systems, pumps, and filtration. Check current guidelines for caps, stacking rules, and eligible components before starting work.

Are there grants for dairy barn modernization or robotic milking?

Yes, dairy farm grants in Nova Scotia may co‑fund barn upgrades, milking equipment, and robotic systems under productivity and animal welfare priorities. Additional financing can come from FCC and the Farm Loan Board.

What supports exist for wild blueberry producers?

Programs may fund field improvements, drainage, harvesters, pollinator habitat, and risk management via AgriInsurance. Market development and export grants can help processors and packers expand.

Can greenhouses access funding for automation and energy efficiency?

Greenhouse funding may cover automation, environmental controls, thermal curtains, CO2 enrichment, and LED upgrades. Some streams support hydroponics or high tunnels for season extension.

Are there grants for food processing equipment and HACCP certification?

Yes, food processing funding in Nova Scotia often supports equipment purchases, facility upgrades, food safety certification, traceability, and recall readiness. Export marketing grants can complement these investments.

Is there funding for Indigenous and women farmers in Nova Scotia?

Dedicated programs exist for Indigenous agriculture funding and women in agriculture grants. They may support business planning, equipment, training, and market development aligned with equity objectives.

What financing complements grants for large capital projects?

The Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board and FCC offer low‑interest loans, working capital, and loan guarantees. Many applicants combine loans with non‑repayable funding and rebates to complete the capital stack.

Do programs cover e‑commerce, branding, and farmers’ market costs?

Yes, marketing grants for farms, e‑commerce funding, and branding and packaging grants can co‑fund websites, packaging, signage, and market fees, especially for direct‑to‑consumer strategies.

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