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Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program
Supports Nova Scotia farms adopting energy-efficient practices
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Funding available
$ 30,000
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Who can apply
Nova Scotian farms currently registered under the Farm Registration Act
See full eligibility
Overview
The program provides up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $30,000 per project, for farms in Nova Scotia. It supports sustainable and energy-efficient farm projects, including energy source switching, equipment upgrades, and custom energy efficiency measures.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Optimize production processes
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- On-farm energy generation, including Solar PV, wind, hydro, geothermal, batteries (energy storage), anaerobic digestion, and combined heat & power
- Farm machinery and vehicle modifications to improve energy efficiency or switch to biodiesel use or another renewable energy source
- On-farm energy source switching and storage
- Modification or upgrades of on-farm equipment for agricultural biomass collection and processing and/or for biogas/biofuel generation in support of energy switching
- Other custom energy efficiency projects resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Documents Needed
- Completed application
- An official detailed quote broken out per line item
- Technical specification sheet for new equipment
- A copy of most recent energy bills (electricity and fuel, if applicable)
- Completed description of additional non-energy benefits of the project (on previous page)
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Beneficial Management Practices program updated
The Beneficial Management Practices program now shows a clearer application flow, updated submission contact, and expanded program guidelines for eligibility, eligible measures, and incentives.
The Beneficial Management Practices program now shows a 3-step application flow: submit the application to agriculture@efficiencyns.ca, wait for an Energy Manager to advise next steps, then submit the claim form and supporting documents after project completion. The program guidelines were also expanded with new applicant and project rules for Nova Scotia farms, including registration, age, pre-implementation limits, eligible measure definitions, and specific criteria for solar and battery projects. Funding terms now include incentives up to 50% of total project costs, a maximum of $30,000 per project, and a 75% limit from all third-party sources, with project-specific rates now shown for solar PV and energy storage. The terms and conditions page now adds authorization, consent, and compliance language, and it excludes portable or temporary structures from eligibility for solar PV installations.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Nova Scotian farms currently registered under the Farm Registration Act
- Individuals, partnerships, corporations, and co-operatives
- Applicants must be at least 19 years of age and actively farming in the program year
Who is not eligible
- Projects using used equipment
- Projects that have already started work or purchased equipment
- Projects with total costs of $60,000 or more, excluding HST
Eligible expenses
- Purchase and installation of new energy-efficient equipment
- On-farm energy switching and storage systems
- Upgrades to farm equipment used for biomass collection, processing, biogas, or biofuel generation
- Custom energy efficiency measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Used equipment is not eligible for funding.
- The implementation phase has not started, defined as issuing purchase orders or commencing work.
- Panels facing North are not eligible for the program.
- Systems installed on portable or temporary structures are not eligible, including recreational vehicles and trailers.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Selection criteria
- Projects are evaluated based on greenhouse gas reductions per funding dollar requested.
- Additional consideration is given to operational savings, job creation, and community impact.
How to apply
- Submit Agriculture Beneficial Management Practices Program Application to agriculture@efficiencyns.ca.
- An Energy Manager will contact you to advise on the next steps.
- If the application is successful, the Energy Manager will provide a claim form.
- After completing the project, submit the claim form and all supporting documents.
Processing and Agreement
- An Energy Manager will contact you to advise on the next steps.
- If the application is successful, the Energy Manager will provide a claim form.
- After completing the project, submit the claim form and all supporting documents.
- All claims must be submitted prior to the project completion date noted on the claim form and must be completed and claimed by March 15 of the current application year.
- Projects will be randomly selected for a detailed quality assurance review within 12 months following project completion; site visits by program staff may be required to verify installation, and successful applicants should maintain account records for 6 years following project completion in case of auditing.
Additional information
- The program is split into two streams: Solar & Batteries and Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs).
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program Program
What is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program?
The program provides up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $30,000 per project, for farms in Nova Scotia. It supports sustainable and energy-efficient farm projects, including energy source switching, equipment upgrades, and custom energy efficiency measures.
How much funding can be received?
Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $30,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program program?
To be eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program program, you must:
Nova Scotian farms currently registered under the Farm Registration Act
Applicants must be at least 19 years of age and actively farming in the program year
What expenses are eligible under Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program?
Purchase and installation of new energy-efficient equipment
On-farm energy switching and storage systems
Upgrades to farm equipment used for biomass collection, processing, biogas, or biofuel generation
Custom energy efficiency measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Who can I contact for more information about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program?
You can contact Efficiency Nova Scotia by email at agriculture@efficiencyns.ca or by phone at 902-470-3599.
Where is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program available?
The Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program is a Grant and Funding