Open
Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program
Supports Nova Scotia producers in achieving food safety standards
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000
Timeline
- Open Date : May 1, 2025
- Closing date : July 15, 2026
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Optimize production processes
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 70% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 1, 2025
- Closing date : July 15, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- 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
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
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot 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 Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot 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.
How much funding can be received?
Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **July 15, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program program?
To be eligible for the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program program, you must:
Nova Scotia-based, registered farm, seafood, or food and beverage business
Producing a retail-ready food product
Enrolled in the Nova Scotia Loyal Program
What expenses are eligible under Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program?
You can contact Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation by email at supplierfoodsafety@perennia.ca or by phone at 902-670-9572.
Where is the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program available?
The Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.