How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $20000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program?

Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program is funded by Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

What are Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program's eligibility criterias?

Nova Scotia-based, registered farm, seafood, or food and beverage business Producing a retail-ready food product Enrolled in the Nova Scotia Loyal Program

Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program

Last Update: July 25, 2025

NS, Canada

Supports Nova Scotia producers in achieving food safety standards

Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $20,000
Up to 70% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Accommodation and food services

Grant Providers

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

Status

Open

Overview of the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program program

The Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program provides up to $20,000 in funding to help Nova Scotia farm, seafood, and food and beverage businesses achieve and maintain food safety requirements for retailers and institutions. Eligible activities include training, third-party audits, food safety program development, consultant support, and facility upgrades to meet food safety standards.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding support of up to 70% of eligible project costs, not exceeding $20,000 per company over the duration of the program.
Eligible training registration fees are funded at 100%, up to a maximum of $2,200 per applicant for the program duration.
Audit fee support covers up to 70% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $3,500 per applicant.
General food safety support funding is available at 70% of eligible costs, up to $5,000 per applicant.
Facility upgrades and food safety program development costs are eligible for 70% funding, each with a maximum of $15,000 per applicant during the program.

Eligible projects & activities

Completion of approved food safety training programs.
Undergoing third-party food safety audits required by retailers or institutions.
Receiving expert support to maintain or improve existing food safety programs.
Developing and implementing new food safety management systems to meet retail or institutional requirements.
Upgrading facilities to comply with specific food safety standards recommended during assessments or audits.

Eligibility criteria of the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program program

The applicant must be at least 19 years of age.
The applicant must be based in Nova Scotia and produce a retail-ready food product.
The applicant must be eligible for and enrolled in the Nova Scotia Loyal Program.
The applicant must demonstrate that they are meeting the food safety requirements of an existing retail or food service customer and/or are actively working to obtain a product listing with a new retail or food service contract.
Food and beverage businesses must be registered through the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks; farm businesses must be registered under the Nova Scotia Farm Registration Act; seafood businesses must be appropriately licensed and in good standing with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Who is eligible?

Nova Scotia-based farm businesses
Nova Scotia-based seafood businesses
Nova Scotia-based food and beverage companies producing retail-ready food products

Who is not eligible

Companies involved in cannabis products.

Eligible expenses

Registration fees for eligible food safety training courses (specified by the program).
Costs for third-party audits conducted by an accredited certification body, as required by retailers or institutions.
Consulting or specialist fees for food safety program maintenance, audit preparation, addressing corrective actions, or non-conformance issues (excluding consumables and general expenses).
Consulting or specialist fees for comprehensive food safety program development, including assessments and audit preparation (excluding consumables and general expenses).
Facility upgrades that are necessary to meet specific food safety requirements identified through assessments, audits, or inspections (e.g., installation of hand washing sinks, new doors or walls related to food safety, equipment to prevent contamination or improve traceability).

Eligible geographic areas

Nova Scotia

How to apply to the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program program

Verify eligibility requirements

Confirm your eligibility by ensuring you meet all program requirements for your business type
Verify that you are producing a retail ready food product
Register or be enrolled in the Nova Scotia Loyal Program
Gather documents demonstrating current or intended compliance with food safety requirements

Complete application and gather documents

Download and complete the application form from the program website
Prepare necessary supporting documentation, such as quotes for eligible activities
If applying for training, specify which courses and the number of attendees

Submit application

Submit the completed application and supporting documents by email, fax, or mail to the address provided
Ensure to send your application between May 1, 2025 and July 15, 2026

Wait for application review

Wait for the review committee to assess your application and supporting documentation
If additional information is required, respond to requests from Perennia staff

Sign Letter of Agreement

If approved, review the Letter of Agreement outlining approved activities, funding amounts, and terms
Sign and return the Letter of Agreement to Perennia within 30 days to secure your funding

Implement project activities

Complete approved activities as outlined in your agreement
Retain copies of all invoices and proofs of payment for eligible costs

Submit claim for reimbursement

Complete the Program Claim Form provided after signing the agreement
Attach copies of all eligible invoices, proofs of payment, and required supporting documentation
Submit interim or final claim(s) by January 15, 2027, ensuring no claim is below $20.00

Additional information

Applicants must consent to the public disclosure of their name and the amount of support received under the program.
Costs incurred before receiving a Letter of Agreement are at the applicant's own risk and may not be eligible for reimbursement.
No payment will be made for claims under $20.00.
Program funding will only be provided for arm’s-length transactions, except in specific pre-approved circumstances.