
Market Opportunities and Diversification Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NS, Canada
Funding to help producers with local and export activities
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $75,000
Timeline
- Open Date : May 5, 2023
- Closing date : December 31, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
Get a non-repayable contribution to cover the costs of market diversification activities, website development, digital marketing, and market readiness activities.
Activities funded
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program supports activities that enhance the competitiveness of agricultural products and businesses in Nova Scotia. Eligible activities focus on market adaptation and the expansion of sales both locally and internationally.
- Product and packaging modification to meet specific market requirements or preferences.
- Marketing activities aimed at adapting to changing market requirements or capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
- Support for the sale of quality agricultural products, both within and outside Nova Scotia.
- Capacity building and development initiatives that help products and businesses compete in target markets.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 40,000
Developing new eco-friendly packaging for seafood products to meet export requirements
$ 45,000
Conducting a comprehensive marketing campaign to promote organic blueberries in new markets
$ 75,000
Creating a multilingual e-commerce website to expand the market for agricultural products
$ 45,000
Implementing a training program for employees to boost competitiveness in seafood processing
$ 55,000
Setting up a quality control lab for seafood processing to meet international standards
$ 50,000
Designing a marketing strategy to promote local organic produce in urban markets
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the type of business, its activities, and its income.
- The applicant must be a farm, a Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community, an agri-business, an agriculture industry association, or a seafood business.
- Farms must be registered under the Farm Registration Act in the correct income category and have generated an annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000.
- Farm applicants must be at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.
- Agri-businesses must represent Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products and have generated an annual eligible agri-business income of at least $30,000.
- Agri-businesses must conduct value-added processing of a raw Nova Scotia agriculture product with a direct partnership and significant economic impact on Nova Scotia's agricultural industry.
- Agriculture industry associations must demonstrate non-profit status.
- Seafood businesses must be expanding into an international market and have generated an annual eligible business income of at least $30,000.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program, applicants must fall under specific categories and meet defined criteria:1. Farms: - Be currently and properly registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act. - Generate an annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000. - Be at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.2. Mi'kmaq Farming in Mi'kmaw Community: - Conduct farming activities within a Mi'kmaw community.3. Agri-businesses: - Represent Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products. - Have generated an annual eligible agri-business income of at least $30,000. - Engage in value-added processing of a raw Nova Scotia agriculture product, with a direct partnership and significant economic impact to Nova Scotia's agricultural industry.4. Agriculture Industry Associations: - Must demonstrate non-profit status.5. Seafood Businesses: - Be expanding into an international market. - Generate an annual eligible business income of at least $30,000. Applicants are advised to refer to the Program Guidelines for detailed eligibility requirements and to ensure compliance with all specified criteria before application.
Who is not eligible
In the given context, there are no explicit exclusions or restrictions mentioned for specific types of companies or industries. Therefore, the grant assumes eligibility based on the positive criteria outlined without detailing industries or activities that are specifically excluded.
Eligible expenses
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program supports agricultural and seafood businesses in Nova Scotia with various market-oriented projects. Eligible activities aim to enhance product adaptability, marketing, sales, and capacity building to help these businesses thrive locally and internationally.
- Product and packaging modification to meet specific market requirements or preferences.
- Marketing activities tailored to changing requirements or emerging opportunities.
- Efforts to promote the sale of quality agricultural and seafood products both within and outside of Nova Scotia.
- Development and capacity building initiatives that enhance competitiveness in target markets.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant program is specific to entities involved in agriculture located in Nova Scotia. It aims to support local producers and processors within the region to enhance their market opportunities.
- Companies based in Nova Scotia.
- Organizations operating within the agricultural sector of Nova Scotia.
- Associations representing Nova Scotia agriculture.
Selection criteria
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program has evaluation and selection criteria. Applicants will be evaluated based on specific criteria:
- Alignment with program objectives and eligibility requirements
- Demonstrated financial need and readiness for market development
- Potential impact on Nova Scotia's agricultural or seafood industry
- Feasibility and sustainability of proposed project
- Evidence of market research and demand for the products
How to apply
1
Review the Program Guidelines provided by the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program.
2
Ensure that your business or organization meets the eligibility criteria specified for farms, agri-businesses, agriculture industry associations, or seafood businesses.
3
Prepare all necessary documentation and information required for the application process.
4
Submit your application before the specified deadline of 31 December 2023.
5
Await the evaluation of your application by the Department of Agriculture Programs Division.
Additional information
Consider these additional details when applying for the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program:
- The claim deadline for approved projects is set for 29 February 2024, beyond which no claims will be entertained.
- The program's point of contact is based in Bible Hill, NS, and can be reached via phone, toll-free number, fax, or email for further inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Market Opportunities and Diversification 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 Market Opportunities and Diversification Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program?
Who is eligible for the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program?
Where is the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program available?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program program?

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