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Source verified August 3, 2026
Nova Scotia Farm Loans
Flexible financing for Nova Scotia agriculture
Latest source updateLast Update: October 2, 2026Latest change: New official loan information was published for young farmers, immigrants and newcomers, and Mi’kmaq and Indigenous applicants in Nova Scotia.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 2, 2026
Latest change: New official loan information was published for young farmers, immigrants and newcomers, and Mi’kmaq and Indigenous applicants in Nova Scotia.
New loan streams and eligibility published
New official PDF sources now describe three distinct Nova Scotia Farm Loans streams: Young Farmer Development Loan, Immigrant and Newcomer Agriculture & Agri-Business Loan, and Mi’kmaq & Indigenous Agriculture Loan. The new material expands the targeted applicant groups, supported project types, and confirms flexible financing terms such as open or closed interest rate options and customized repayment terms; it also adds direct contact details and application guidance for some streams. The Young Farmer stream is for young farmers or agri-business entrepreneurs, including businesses owned and led by people aged 40 and under, while the immigrant/newcomer stream is for newcomers to Nova Scotia including recent immigrants, permanent residents, or refugees, and the Mi’kmaq/Indigenous stream is for Indigenous individuals, organizations, or communities based in Nova Scotia. Supported activities now explicitly include farm and agri-business establishment, succession, expansion, modernization,
Funding available
$ 500,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
Nova Scotia Farm Loans provides financing through the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board for agricultural and agri-food businesses across Nova Scotia. The program supports land purchases, modernization, succession, and other farm-related projects with flexible lending options and competitive rates.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
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
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Black Canadians
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Farm acquisitions and land purchases
- Construction or improvement of buildings and facilities
- Rural agri-business development, ownership changes, and succession planning
- Season extension infrastructure and systems, including greenhouses, high tunnels, hoop houses, cold frames, climate control, ventilation, irrigation, and water management
- Processing, value-addition, and technology adoption projects
Documents Needed
- Full personal or business tax returns or financial statements for the last 3 years.
- Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and two pieces of current government photo ID.
- Signed Application for Financing form signed by all applicants and shareholders, plus shareholder agreements if applicable.
- Electronic Funds Transfer form and void cheque for pre-authorized debit.
- For asset purchases or major renovations: Purchase & Sale Agreement and/or quotes or invoices from the supplier; for new ventures or expansions: detailed business plan with financial projections; for existing businesses or shares: company financial statements for the past 3 years and confirmation from Canada Revenue Agency that there are no accounts owing.
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Existing producers and prospective farmers.
- New or existing farm businesses.
- Primary producers, agri-food processors, agri-product processors, abattoirs and meat processing, commercial bakeries, wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries.
- New or developing businesses with linkage to local agriculture.
- Farmers or agri-business entrepreneurs who self identify as having a disability based in Nova Scotia.
Who is not eligible
- Projects involving cannabis
Eligible expenses
- Land, buildings, equipment, quota, and upgrades.
- Land improvements, development, clearing, drainage, fencing, access roads, and water access.
- Surveys, appraisals, environmental assessments, and legal fees.
- Livestock purchases.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Insurance, operating costs, and property taxes or fines.
- Non-agricultural properties.
- Purchases deemed not necessary for operation.
- Multi-purpose equipment such as trucks and ATVs.
- Projects involving cannabis.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
How to apply
- Submit the completed Application for Financing to the Truro Office, the Kentville Office, or FLBNS@novascotia.ca.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are processed on the basis of a security appraisal, an assessment of the farming program, and a review of the completed application forms.
- Supplementary information may be required based on the situation under review, including business plans.
- Once a completed application and supporting documentation is received, the goal is to provide an initial follow-up within 10 business days.
- The approved choice is documented through a Commitment Letter and Credit Agreement that outline the terms, conditions and security for the loan.
- Successful applicants enter into a lease or financing agreement and must comply with the applicable program guidelines and application form.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nova Scotia Farm Loans Program
What is the Nova Scotia Farm Loans?
Nova Scotia Farm Loans provides financing through the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board for agricultural and agri-food businesses across Nova Scotia. The program supports land purchases, modernization, succession, and other farm-related projects with flexible lending options and competitive rates.
How much funding can be received?
Nova Scotia Farm Loans Funds up to $500,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Nova Scotia Farm Loans program?
To be eligible for the Nova Scotia Farm Loans program, you must:
Existing producers and prospective farmers may apply.
Projects can include farm acquisitions, land purchases, building work, and rural agri-business development.
What expenses are eligible under Nova Scotia Farm Loans?
Farm acquisitions and land purchases
Construction or improvement of buildings and facilities
Rural agri-business development, ownership changes, and succession planning
Season extension infrastructure and systems, including greenhouses, high tunnels, hoop houses, cold frames, climate control, ventilation, irrigation, and water management
Processing, value-addition, and technology adoption projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Nova Scotia Farm Loans?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at FLBNS@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-893-6506.
Where is the Nova Scotia Farm Loans available?
The Nova Scotia Farm Loans program is available the province of Nova Scotia.