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Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program - Nova Scotia - Canada
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Source verified August 10, 2026

Efficiency Nova Scotia — Beneficial Management Practices Program

Supports Nova Scotia farms adopting energy-efficient practices
Latest source update
Last Update: August 10, 2026
Latest change: The Beneficial Management Practices program now shows a clearer application flow, updated submission contact, and expanded program guidelines for eligibility, eligible measures, and incentives.
View change
Beneficial Management Practices program updated
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.
Funding available
$ 30,000
Deadline
Open continuously
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

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
2
Validate your eligibility

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)

Official resources

Official page

Beneficial Management Practices Program

Program guide

Beneficial Management Practices Program Guidelines

Beneficial Management Practices Terms & Conditions

Program Overview (2026)

Application form

Project Details

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?

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

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