Planning New Opportunities Program

Eligibility for the Planning New Opportunities Program is determined based on the type of applicant and specific income and registration requirements.

• The applicant must be a farm, Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community, agri-business, or agriculture industry association.
• Farms must be currently and properly registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act.
• Farms must have generated an annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000.
• Farms must have applicants who are at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.
• Agri-businesses must represent identifiable Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products.
• Agri-businesses must have generated an annual eligible agri-business income of at least $30,000.
• Agri-businesses must conduct value-added processing of a raw Nova Scotia agriculture product with a direct partnership and significant economic impact on Nova Scotia's agriculture industry.
• Agri-businesses must demonstrate the value or use of Nova Scotia products/ingredients.
• Agriculture industry associations must demonstrate non-profit status by providing documentation.

Who is eligible?

This grant targets farms, Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi'kmaw communities, agri-businesses, and agriculture industry associations to enhance competitiveness and manage business risks.

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. To be eligible, your business must meet specific criteria, including being a farm, Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities, agri-business representing Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products, or an agriculture industry association with non-profit status.

• Businesses not meeting the defined eligibility criteria
• Companies outside the agriculture or agri-food industry

Eligible expenses

The grant covers expenses related to consulting, planning, process improvements, safety, and translations to help support and enhance farm and agri-business operations.

• Consultant Services
• Business Plan
• Marketing Plan
• Succession Plan
• Feasibility Study
• Business Continuity Plans
• Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Marketing Study
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• Social Media Strategy
• Data Analysis Fees
• Engineering Plan
• Process Improvement Plans, such as Lean Management or Six Sigma
• Food Safety Plan, including HACCP Based Plans, Regulatory Based Plans, and Global Food Safety Initiative Plans
• Farm Health & Safety Plan
• Development of Farm Safety Plan (policies, safe work practices, etc.)
• Occupational Hygienist Services, such as air and noise monitoring
• Engineering Certification
• Translation Services for Food Safety Plan, Farm Safety Plan, and Product Labels (excluding printing)
• Translation Services for Direct Marketing Materials (excluding printing)

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to farms, agri-businesses, and agriculture industry associations located in Nova Scotia. Eligible applicants must have a direct connection or impact on Nova Scotia's agricultural industry.

• All applicants must be based in Nova Scotia.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.

• Evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include:
• - Demonstrated need for support
• - Clarity and feasibility of the proposed project
• - Potential impact on the farm or agri-business
• - Alignment with program goals and objectives
• - Financial viability of the project

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Applicants are eligible for 75% funding assistance on total eligible project costs to a maximum of $15,000 per program year.
• Farms with income under $30,000 are eligible for reduced maximum funding of $2,000 per program year.
• No more than 100% of non-repayable funding can be received for any eligible project costs.
• Quotes for project expenses are required and must be included with the application.
• Program funding is limited to one application per applicant per year.
• Applicants must submit detailed proof of local ingredients purchases based on their income level.
• A signed Letter of Agreement must be returned within 30 days to avoid forfeiting funding.
• The program anticipates offerings in subsequent years, but availability may vary based on budget and government priorities.