How much funding can be received?

The Efficiency Nova Scotia Beneficial Management Practices Program provides up to 50% of project costs, to a maximum of $30,000, to support Nova Scotian farmers in adopting sustainable and energy-efficient practices. Eligible activities include energy source switching, equipment upgrades, and custom projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial incentives cover up to 50% of total project costs, with a maximum funding amount of $30,000 per project.

Eligible projects & activities

Implementation of energy-efficient upgrades across farming operations.
On-farm energy source switching and storage projects, such as integrating wind, geothermal, solar, battery, or thermal storage solutions.
Modification or upgrade of farm equipment for agricultural biomass collection and processing, and for biogas or biofuel generation to support energy switching.
Custom energy efficiency projects designed to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 80,000

Launching an online sales platform for local handmade furniture

$ 75,000

Launching language-specific mental health hotline for newcomers

$ 50,000

Installing accessible entrance and washroom in heritage building café

$ 90,000

Modernizing community theatre with audio-visual upgrading project

$ 64,000

Purchasing food waste composting equipment for urban farming group

$ 56,000

Upgrading energy efficiency in organic food cooperative's facility

Eligibility criteria of the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program program

The applicant must be a farm currently registered under the Nova Scotia Farm Registration Act.
Eligible applicants include Mi’kmaq Nova Scotians, Mi’kmaw communities, and other under-represented communities, including new African Nova Scotians conducting farming activities in Nova Scotia.
The applicant must be at least 19 years of age and actively farming during the program year.

Who is eligible?

Farms registered under the Nova Scotia Farm Registration Act
Mi’kmaq Nova Scotians and Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia engaged in farming
Other under-represented communities, including new African Nova Scotians conducting agricultural activities in Nova Scotia

Eligible expenses

Purchase and installation of energy-efficient equipment eligible under the Business Energy Rebates program.
On-farm energy source switching and storage solutions, including wind generation, geothermal, solar, batteries, and thermal storage.
Modification or upgrades of on-farm equipment for agricultural biomass collection and processing (such as balers and choppers).
Equipment or system upgrades for biogas or biofuel generation (for example, boilers) in support of energy switching.
Custom expenses related to energy efficiency improvements that result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Eligible geographic areas

Nova Scotia

Eligibility criteria of the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program program

Project evaluation is based on incentive dollars versus first-year greenhouse gas savings (a competitive target is $0.26/kg eCO2).

How to apply to the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program program

Prepare application documents

Download and review the Beneficial Management Practices Program Guidelines
Gather all necessary project information and details
Identify eligible energy efficiency measures for your farm

Submit your application

Complete the Beneficial Management Practices Application Form
Attach all required supporting documentation
Email the completed application to agriculture@efficiencyns.ca

Receive Energy Manager follow-up

An Energy Manager will contact you with next steps
Receive guidance on additional requirements or documents if needed

Complete project implementation

Implement energy efficiency updates or undertake approved projects
Ensure all measures meet program requirements
Keep all receipts and necessary documentation

Submit final claim for payment

Submit the completed claim form and all required supporting documents
Ensure submission is made before the deadline stated on the claim form
Request extensions if needed, in writing, as indicated in the claim form

Await review and payment

Receive review of your claim and required documentation
Await decision and payment processing from Efficiency Nova Scotia

Additional information

The application deadline for the Agriculture Beneficial Management Practices Program is June 30, 2025.
Energy Managers from Efficiency Nova Scotia are available to assist with application completion and project guidance.
All claims must be submitted before the project completion date indicated on the claim form and claimed by March 1 of the current application year unless an extension is approved.
Program guidelines, application forms, and terms and conditions are available for download to support applicants.

Contact Efficiency Nova Scotia

agriculture@efficiencyns.ca

1-877-999-6035

Apply to this program

Funding for early-stage businesses in Nova Scotia