How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program?

Market Opportunities and Diversification Program is funded by Department of Agriculture, Government of Nova Scotia

What are Market Opportunities and Diversification Program's eligibility criterias?

Applicants must be a farm, Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community, agri-business, or agriculture industry association. Farms must be registered under the Farm Registration Act and generate at least $30,000 in annual eligible gross commodity income. Agri-businesses must have a direct partnership with significant economic impact to Nova Scotia's agricultural industry and generate at least $30,000 in annual eligible agri-business income.

Market Opportunities and Diversification Program

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Funding to help producers with local and export activities

Market Opportunities and Diversification Program 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

Grant Providers

Department of Agriculture
Government of Nova Scotia

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program program

Get a non-repayable contribution to cover the costs of market diversification activities, website development, digital marketing, and market readiness activities.

Eligible projects & activities

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 criteria of the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program program

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 to the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program program

Review the Program Guidelines provided by the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program.

Ensure that your business or organization meets the eligibility criteria specified for farms, agri-businesses, agriculture industry associations, or seafood businesses.

Prepare all necessary documentation and information required for the application process.

Submit your application before the specified deadline of 31 December 2023.

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.

Documents and links

Market Opportunities and Diversification Program

Apply to this program

Funding to improve sustainability in Atlantic fisheries