How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $1125000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund?

Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund is funded by Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund

Q: What are Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund's eligibility criterias?

Registered business or commercial Indigenous entity in Nova Scotia Primary focus on agriculture, agri-food, seafood processing, aquaculture, or related activities Must be in good standing with required registries and regulatory authorities

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Supports transformative, innovative projects in Nova Scotia's seafood and agriculture

Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $500,000 to $1,125,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing

Grant Providers

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

Status

Open

Overview of the Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund program

The Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund offers funding covering up to 75% of project costs, supporting major innovative projects that strengthen the seafood and agriculture sectors. Eligible activities include piloting new technologies, adopting new equipment or processes, and initiatives that enhance productivity, market opportunities, and sustainability.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding assistance is available for up to 75% of total project costs.
Projects are typically larger scale with estimated total costs between $750,000 and $1.5 million, though projects between $500,000 and $750,000 may also be eligible.
Approval of the funding amount is determined on a project-by-project basis and may be limited at Perennia's discretion.
Costs incurred prior to the date identified in the Letter of Agreement are not eligible for funding.

Eligible projects & activities

Piloting and testing of new innovative solutions at the industry level.
Adoption of technologies, equipment, or processes that are new to Nova Scotia to increase productivity and quality.
Projects aimed at enhancing market diversification and processing capacity.
Initiatives supporting the long-term sustainability of the seafood, aquaculture, farming, or food processing sectors.
Projects addressing industry challenges that hinder efficiency, growth, or sector diversification.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 445,500

Adopting blockchain for traceability in lobster supply chain

$ 751,500

Piloting robotic oyster graders to increase processing capacity

$ 477,750

Implementing AI-based salmon biomass monitoring system

$ 495,000

Upgrading dairy farm with automated milking equipment

$ 446,250

Launching pilot of smart seaweed drying tunnel system

$ 461,250

Expanding vegetable processing with high-capacity blancher

Eligibility criteria of the Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund program

The applicant must be a registered business or commercial Indigenous entity operating in Nova Scotia with a primary focus on agriculture, agri-food processing, primary or secondary seafood processing, aquaculture, seafood or marine plant harvesting, or licensed live lobster holding facilities.
Alternatively, the applicant can be a not-for-profit industry association or organization based in Nova Scotia representing the interests of the agriculture, fisheries, food processing, or aquaculture sectors.
The applicant must be at least 19 years of age and able to sign a legally binding contract.
The applicant must have the authority to enter into an agreement and be in good standing with the Registry of Joint Stocks and relevant sector authorities.
The project must demonstrate innovation or a unique solution to sector challenges, with measurable economic benefits and a knowledge-sharing component.

Who is eligible?

Registered businesses with a primary focus on agriculture
Registered businesses involved in agri-food processing
Registered businesses engaged in primary and/or secondary processing of seafood products
Registered businesses in aquaculture (land-based or marine)
Not-for-profit industry associations/organizations representing agriculture, fisheries, food processing, and aquaculture sectors based in Nova Scotia

Who is not eligible

Companies with cannabis-related projects.
Businesses not in good standing with required regulatory bodies.
Organizations without the required permits, leases, or licenses for fisheries and aquaculture operations in Nova Scotia.

Eligible expenses

Purchase of equipment
Professional equipment installation and shipping costs
Consultant fees
Acquisition of new software
Construction costs, assessed on a case-by-case basis

Eligible geographic areas

Nova Scotia

Eligibility criteria of the Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund program

Project concept (20 points) – clarity and relevance of the project overview, addressing a specific challenge or opportunity.
Degree of potential impact (40 points) – potential to increase competitiveness, efficiency, and profitability for the applicant or for the seafood, agriculture, or processing sectors in Nova Scotia.
Level of innovation (30 points) – introduction of technologies or practices that are new to Nova Scotia and that address an identified industry need without an existing solution.
Organizational capacity (10 points) – demonstrated ability and resources to successfully complete the project.
Effective knowledge transfer plan (10 points) – quality and reach of the proposed outreach or information-sharing component to support knowledge transfer within the industry.

How to apply to the Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund program

Step 1: Submit Expression of Interest
- Complete the Expression of Interest form, ensuring all sections are filled out.
- Attach your most recent audited financial statements or Notice to Reader financial statements.
- Email the completed Expression of Interest and financial statements to SASI@perennia.ca by August 15, 2025.
Step 2: Await Review Committee Evaluation
- The Program Review Committee will evaluate your submission.
- You may be asked to provide additional information if requested by the Committee.
Step 3: Submit Full Application (by invitation)
- If approved to proceed, you will be notified by email and invited to complete the full SASI Application Form and Plan.
- Complete, sign, and date the SASI Application Form and Plan, addressing economic impacts for Nova Scotia.
- Include all relevant supporting documents, proof of licenses, and permits as required based on your project type.
- Submit the full application as instructed in the invitation.
Step 4: Letter of Agreement
- If your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Agreement.
- Sign and return the Letter of Agreement to officially initiate the project and funding eligibility.
Step 5: Project Reporting and Claims
- At project completion, submit a Final Project Report addressing deliverables, outreach, financial overview, and estimated future impacts.
- Fill out and sign the claim form (received after Letter of Agreement), attaching copies of invoices for eligible costs and proof of payment.
- Email the completed claim form, Final Project Report, and supporting documents to SASI@perennia.ca by February 23, 2027 (indicate "Claim" in the subject line).

Additional information

Applicants must submit their most recent audited financial statements or Notice to Reader financial statements with the Expression of Interest.
Projects must include a knowledge transfer or outreach component, such as an open house or demonstration session, to share information with the industry.
Applicants may be contacted periodically by program officers during the activity period and may be invited to participate in photo or video documentation of their project.
If a project cannot be completed by the stated deadline, no funding will be awarded.