Closed
On-Farm Water Management Program
Support for on-farm water management improvements
Last Update: June 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 60,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2026
- Closing date : May 15, 2026
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
Funding supports primary producers with water management projects that improve climate resilience and environmental outcomes. It can cover eligible on-farm water management activities, with up to $15,000 per year or up to $60,000 for tile drainage over the life of the program.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Optimize production processes
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 60,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2026
- Closing date : May 15, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- $ 30,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- On-farm water management improvements
- Climate adaptation projects to conserve and enhance water-related natural resources
- Adoption of priority Beneficial Management Practices
- Tile drainage and irrigation-related water efficiency projects
- Water supply and water quality improvement projects
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Program Funding Registration form, if required
- Current Environmental Farm Plan
- Long-term lease or rental agreement for leased land, if applicable
- Invoices and proof of payment for claim submission
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered farms
- Community pastures
- Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi'kmaw communities
Eligible expenses
- Fencing, grazing management, off-site watering, stream crossings, and remote watering systems
- Tile drainage systems, drainage controls, and surface or subsurface drainage works
- Irrigation equipment improvements, intake systems, and water-use efficiency upgrades
- Wells, ponds, dams, reservoirs, water-saving systems, water treatment, and water quality improvements
- Professional consulting services and related materials, equipment, and contracted labour for eligible water projects
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Travel expenses
- Administrative or general overhead
- Buildings, building modifications, and sea containers
- Operating expenses and existing staff wages or salaries
- Small hand tools, HST, and in-kind contributions
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the Department of Agriculture
- Approved applicants receive a Letter of Agreement with the funding terms
- The applicant must review, sign, and return the Letter of Agreement within 30 days
- Claims are submitted after the signed agreement is received
- Projects may be evaluated or audited before, during, or after completion
Additional information
- Applicants new to Programs since 2023 must complete the Program Funding Registration form.
- Returning applicants must update their business information if anything has changed.
- Only one application per year is allowed.
- Applicants may need to complete an evaluation survey related to the final claim.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the On-Farm Water Management Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the On-Farm Water Management 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 On-Farm Water Management Program?
Funding supports primary producers with water management projects that improve climate resilience and environmental outcomes. It can cover eligible on-farm water management activities, with up to $15,000 per year or up to $60,000 for tile drainage over the life of the program.
How much funding can be received?
On-Farm Water Management Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $60,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was May 15, 2026.
Who is eligible for the On-Farm Water Management Program program?
To be eligible for the On-Farm Water Management Program program, you must:
Registered farm, community pasture, or Mi'kmaq farm activity
Minimum annual eligible income of $30,000
Current Environmental Farm Plan required
What expenses are eligible under On-Farm Water Management Program?
On-farm water management improvements
Climate adaptation projects to conserve and enhance water-related natural resources
Adoption of priority Beneficial Management Practices
Tile drainage and irrigation-related water efficiency projects
Water supply and water quality improvement projects
Who can I contact for more information about the On-Farm Water Management Program?
You can contact Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture by email at prm@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-893-6377.
Where is the On-Farm Water Management Program available?
The On-Farm Water Management Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.