Open
Closing Soon
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
- Food safety training
- Third-party food safety audits
- Food safety program support or development
- Facility upgrades to meet food safety requirements
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Quotes for eligible activities
- Proof of eligibility
- Training course selection and participant numbers, if applying for training
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Nova Scotia farm businesses
- Nova Scotia seafood businesses
- Nova Scotia food and beverage businesses
Who is not eligible
- Businesses involved in cannabis products
Eligible expenses
- Training registration fees for eligible food safety courses
- Third-party audit fees
- Food safety consultant or specialist support
- Food safety program development services
- Facility upgrades needed to meet food safety requirements
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Cannabis products
- Administrative costs and general overhead
- Travel expenses
- Marketing, advertising, and retail displays
- Non-food-safety-related equipment, tools, repairs, renovations, or construction
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the application form
- Access the program application form from Perennia.
- Fill in the required business and project information.
- Step 2: Prepare supporting documents
- Gather quotes for the eligible activities you are requesting.
- If applying for training, specify the course and number of participants.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Send the completed application and supporting documents by email, fax, or mail to Perennia.
- Email is the preferred submission method.
- Step 4: Receive the decision and agreement
- If approved, you will receive a Letter of Agreement.
- Review, sign, and return the agreement within 30 days.
- Step 5: Submit claims after completion
- Complete the Program Claim Form after the project is finished.
- Submit paid invoices and proof of payment with the claim.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a committee based on the submitted information and documents.
- Perennia may contact applicants for additional information or assessment.
- Approved applicants receive a Letter of Agreement outlining the funded activities and conditions.
- The signed Letter of Agreement must be returned within 30 days.
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
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 food businesses
Retail-ready food products
Nova Scotia Loyal enrollment
What expenses are eligible under Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program?
Food safety training
Third-party food safety audits
Food safety program support or development
Facility upgrades to meet food safety requirements
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.