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Organic Certification Rebate Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Organic Certification Rebate Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $750 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was February 14, 2024.

Q: Who is eligible for the Organic Certification Rebate Program program?

To be eligible for the Organic Certification Rebate Program program, you must: Must be a farm registered under the Farm Registration Act Must be actively farming in Nova Scotia during the program year Must be certified organic or transitioning to organic at time of application

Q: What expenses are eligible under Organic Certification Rebate Program?

Obtaining organic certification for farms through a third-party certification body. Transitioning to certified organic status over a period of up to three years.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Organic Certification Rebate Program?

You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at prm@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-893-6377.

Q: Where is the Organic Certification Rebate Program available?

The Organic Certification Rebate Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.

Last Update: March 3, 2026

Nova Scotia, Canada

Funding to help farms become certified organic

Grant and Funding

Government of Nova Scotia

Overview

Get up to $750 to cover up to 50% of eligible expenses to encourage your farm to become certified organic and to support those who have already made the changes needed to be a certified organic farm.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Reduce the ecological footprint

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 750 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : September 1, 2023
Closing date : February 14, 2024

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

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
Other Racialized Persons
Black Canadians
Rural or Northern Residents
2SLGBTQI+
Canadians
Youth (<40)
Women

Activities funded

Obtaining organic certification for farms through a third-party certification body.
Transitioning to certified organic status over a period of up to three years.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 750

Purchase of organic seeds and certification for an urban farm

$ 750

Consultation services for transitioning to organic farming at Maple Leaf Farm

$ 600

Inspection fees for annual organic certification of a dairy farm

Eligibility

The applicant must be a farm or a Mi'kmaq individual conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community.
The farm must be registered under the Farm Registration Act.
The applicant must be at least 19 years old and actively farming during the program year.
The applicant must be a resident of Nova Scotia.
The farm must be certified organic in Nova Scotia at the time of application, or in the process of transitioning to certified organic status.

Who is eligible?

Farms registered under the Farm Registration Act in Nova Scotia
Mi'kmaq individuals or groups conducting farming activities in Mi'kmaw communities in Nova Scotia

Who is not eligible

Companies that are not farms or not Mi’kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi’kmaw communities.
Farms not registered under the Farm Registration Act.
Companies or organizations that do not conduct farming as their main activity.

Eligible expenses

Organic certification fees for farms currently certified organic.
Organic certification fees for up to three transition years for farms transitioning to certified organic.

Eligible geographic areas

Farms and Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia
Mi'kmaw communities in Nova Scotia

Selection criteria

Applications are reviewed as they are received by the Department of Agriculture.
Approval of applications is subject to availability of program funding.
The Department of Agriculture may limit the total funding awarded to ensure broader access among applicants.
The Department has the authority to deny applications that do not meet program requirements or where misrepresentation is found.

How to apply

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the Organic Certification Rebate Program:

Be a farm or Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community.
Be registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act.
Be at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.
Be certified organic at the time you apply.

Review the Program Guidelines for detailed information on eligibility and requirements.

Check the program opening and application deadline dates to ensure timely submission.

Prepare all necessary documentation and information for your application.

Contact the Department of Agriculture Programs Division for any additional assistance or clarification.

Submit your application before the specified deadline.

Additional information

An applicant is permitted to submit only one application per year for this program.
No payment will be issued for claims under $20.00.
Applicants new to Programs since 2023 must complete a Program Funding Registration form; returning applicants need to update their information as needed.
The program may be modified or discontinued in future years depending on budget, industry feedback, and government priorities.

Documents and links

Organic Certification Rebate Program

Contacts

prm@novascotia.ca

902-893-6377

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Organic Certification Rebate Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Organic Certification Rebate 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.