Open
Source verified July 14, 2026
Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program
Helps Nova Scotia food businesses meet food safety requirements
Latest source updateLast Update: July 14, 2026Latest change: The program guidelines and application now show a 2026 version with expanded applicant types, revised stream structure, and extended intake and claim timing.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 14, 2026
Latest change: The program guidelines and application now show a 2026 version with expanded applicant types, revised stream structure, and extended intake and claim timing.
Local Supplier guidelines and application updated
The 2026 program guidelines now include commercial kitchens, co-packers, and micro-businesses, and the objective now explicitly mentions smaller retail outlets. The application form now distinguishes a General Food Business Stream and a Micro Business Stream, with intake extended from July 15, 2026 to September 15, 2026. Funding terms were also revised in the guidelines: support remains up to 70% for eligible costs overall, the program maximum increased to $30,000, and the Micro-Business Stream now offers up to 100% of eligible costs to a maximum of $2,400. The application and claim timing and stream-specific instructions were updated accordingly.
Funding available
$ 30,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Who can apply
Nova Scotia-based Food and Beverage businesses, Farms, Seafood Businesses, Commercial Kitchens, Co-packers for Food and Beverage Businesses, and Micro-Businesses.
See full eligibility
Overview
Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program helps Nova Scotia farm, seafood and food businesses meet food safety requirements for retailers, food service companies and institutions, with funding of up to 70% of eligible costs and 100% for micro-businesses. Eligible activities include training, third-party audits, food safety program development, specialist support and facility upgrades.
/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 : 30,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-4 employees
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
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Nova Scotia-based Food and Beverage businesses, Farms, Seafood Businesses, Commercial Kitchens, Co-packers for Food and Beverage Businesses, and Micro-Businesses.
Who is not eligible
- Restaurants are not eligible under the commercial kitchen definition.
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
How to apply
- Eligible applicants are invited to apply by completing the application form available at perennia.ca/supplierfoodsafety.
- Submit a complete application between May 1, 2025 and September 15, 2026, and provide quotes for eligible activities; if applying for training, list which of the three courses you will attend and the number of people that intend to register for each.
- Email the application to supplierfoodsafety@perennia.ca with Supplier Food Safety Program in the subject line, or fax it to 902-678-7266, or mail it to Perennia Supplier Food Safety Program, 28 Aberdeen Street, Kentville, NS B4N 2N1.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are assessed by a review committee based on the information and supporting documentation provided.
- If an application requires further assessment or information, Perennia staff will follow up with the applicant.
- If approved, applicants receive a Letter of Agreement identifying the eligible project activities, assistance offered, and the terms and conditions under which assistance is approved.
- Applicants must review, sign and return the Letter of Agreement to Perennia within 30 days of the date of the letter or funding will be forfeited.
- A Program Claim Form is sent after Perennia receives the signed Letter of Agreement, and applicants may be asked to complete an evaluation survey related to their final claim.
Additional information
- Applicants consent to the release of their name and the amount of support received under the program as public information.
- Any other information provided is subject to the confidentiality and disclosure provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program Program
What is the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program?
Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program helps Nova Scotia farm, seafood and food businesses meet food safety requirements for retailers, food service companies and institutions, with funding of up to 70% of eligible costs and 100% for micro-businesses. Eligible activities include training, third-party audits, food safety program development, specialist support and facility upgrades.
How much funding can be received?
Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $30,000 per project.
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:
Must be at least 19 years old
Must produce a retail-ready food product
Must be eligible for and enrolled in the Nova Scotia Loyal Program, and demonstrate food safety requirements are being met or a new listing is being pursued
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.
Is the Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program is a Grant and Funding