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.
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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
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
- Ability to reduce environmental risks to soil and water
- Ability to improve habitat
- Ability to adapt to climate change
- Local environmental conditions and risk levels are considered
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare your application
- Confirm that your farm or community pasture meets the program requirements.
- Complete the required Program Funding Registration form if applicable.
- Gather the supporting information needed for the application.
- Step 2: Submit the application
- Submit a complete application by the deadline.
- Applications are sent to the Programs office.
- Step 3: Review and agreement
- Wait for the Department of Agriculture to review the application.
- If approved, review, sign, and return the Letter of Agreement within 30 days.
- Step 4: Submit the claim
- Receive the Program Claim Form after the signed agreement is returned.
- Complete the claim form and attach invoices and proof of payment.
- Submit the claim with supporting documents by the claim deadline.
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
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.