Organic Certification Rebate Program
Last Update: July 24, 2025
NS, Canada
Funding to help farms become certified organic
Organic Certification Rebate Program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $750
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : September 1, 2023
- Closing date : February 14, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Grant Providers
- Government of Nova Scotia
Status
Closed
Overview of the Organic Certification Rebate Program program
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.
Financing terms and conditions
- Funding covers up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $750 per applicant.
- Only organic certification fees (for certified organic farms or up to three transition years) are eligible.
- No payment will be made for claims under $20.
Eligible projects & activities
- 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 criteria of the Organic Certification Rebate Program program
- 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
Eligibility criteria of the Organic Certification Rebate Program program
- 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 to the Organic Certification Rebate Program program
1
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.
2
Review the Program Guidelines for detailed information on eligibility and requirements.
3
Check the program opening and application deadline dates to ensure timely submission.
4
Prepare all necessary documentation and information for your application.
5
Contact the Department of Agriculture Programs Division for any additional assistance or clarification.
6
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.
Contact Government of Nova Scotia
prm@novascotia.ca
902-893-6377
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