
Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NS, Canada
Supports Nova Scotian farms adopting sustainable energy-efficient practices
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $30,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Funds Providers
Efficiency Nova Scotia
Program status
Closed
Overview
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.
Activities funded
- 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
- 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
Selection criteria
- Project evaluation is based on incentive dollars versus first-year greenhouse gas savings (a competitive target is $0.26/kg eCO2).
How to apply
1
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
2
Submit your application
- Complete the Beneficial Management Practices Application Form
- Attach all required supporting documentation
- Email the completed application to agriculture@efficiencyns.ca
3
Receive Energy Manager follow-up
- An Energy Manager will contact you with next steps
- Receive guidance on additional requirements or documents if needed
4
Complete project implementation
- Implement energy efficiency updates or undertake approved projects
- Ensure all measures meet program requirements
- Keep all receipts and necessary documentation
5
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
6
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.
Contacts
agriculture@efficiencyns.ca
1-877-999-6035
NS, Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program?
Who is eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program?
Where is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program available?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program program?
Are Black Canadians eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program program?
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