grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|closingDateFebruary 15, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Government of Nova Scotia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed

grant_single_labels|preview

Gain access to financial assistance to support new ownership of commercial farms by improving your financial stability during your first years of operation.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Plant Your Roots Program offers financial support for specific projects and activities aimed at establishing and expanding commercial farms in Nova Scotia. The eligible activities for this grant focus on promoting innovative technologies and enhancing local food production.
  • Innovative technologies with a focus on labor efficiencies
  • Technologies supporting local food production
  • Commercial farm purchases
  • Investment in properties to create active farm locations or reactivate viable farmland
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$80,000

Montreal
Purchase of high-efficiency tractor for sustainable farming practices

$70,000

Vancouver
Implement solar energy system to reduce farm operating costs

$50,000

Halifax
Upgrade irrigation system for increased crop yield and efficiency

$60,000

Calgary
Expand greenhouse facilities to increase vegetable production

$30,000

Toronto
Hire agricultural consultant for improving farm yield and sustainability

$40,000

Ottawa
Introduce new crop varieties and upgrade soil health management

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The Plant Your Roots Program outlines specific company eligibility criteria for farms in Nova Scotia.
  • Applicant must be currently registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act.
  • Applicant must be at least 19 years of age, a resident of Nova Scotia, and actively farming in the program year.
  • For Stream 1, new farmers must have owned a farm business for less than five years and have not yet achieved $30,000 in farm revenue.
  • For Stream 2, applicants must be purchasing an existing commercial farm (100% interest) or purchasing at least 25% interest in a commercial farm for the first time.
  • Applicants must reach a minimum level of annual gross income by March 2028, equivalent to the amount of rebate received, proportionate to the ownership percentage in the farm business.
  • The commercial farm being purchased must be a farm business that generates an annual gross income of at least $30,000.
  • Applicants must provide a copy of the loan agreement and meet other funding requirements.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Plant Your Roots program is designed to support new ownership of commercial farms in Nova Scotia. It aims to improve the financial stability of beginner farmers, particularly those involved in purchasing or establishing commercial farming operations.
  • Farms in Nova Scotia
  • Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Based on the Plant Your Roots program guidelines, some types of companies that are not eligible for this grant include:
  • Companies not conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community
  • Companies not registered under the Farm Registration Act

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:
  • Improvements to farm infrastructure
  • Purchase of necessary equipment
  • Operating costs related to farm activities
  • Professional services directly related to farm operations

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant is specifically for farms in Nova Scotia. Eligible participants must be residents of Nova Scotia actively engaged in farming activities within the region.
  • Nova Scotia

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Plant Your Roots Program. The criteria include:
  • Proper registration under the Farm Registration Act
  • Active farming in the program year
  • Establishing a farm business with commercial scale goals within 5 years
  • Purchasing at least 25% interest in a commercial farm in Nova Scotia for the first time

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Application Submission
  • Submit a complete application within 6 months of loan approval and by February 15, 2025.
  • Ensure that the application is complete and includes all required documents.
  • Applicants new to the program since 2023 must complete the Program Funding Registration form (PFR).
  • Returning clients must update the form with any changes to business information.
Step 2: Approval Process
  • Completed applications will be reviewed by NSDA as they are received.
  • If approved, applicants will receive a Letter of Agreement (LOA) and a Repayment Agreement.
Step 3: Agreement Completion
  • Review, sign and return the LOA and Repayment Agreement to Programs within 30 days of the date of the letter.
  • Failure to return these documents within the specified time will result in the forfeiture of Program funding.
Step 4: Submission of Documents
  • Submit all documents to Programs at the provided address, email or fax number.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

In addition to the eligibility and application criteria for the Plant Your Roots Program, applicants should be aware of the following information to navigate the grant process efficiently:
  • The program provides an interest rebate based on a four-year projected calculation of eligible loan interest on new loans, with a maximum benefit of $100,000.
  • Applicants must have their loan application submitted within 6 months of loan approval.
  • Loans must have a fixed interest rate and should not be variable interest rate loans or operating lines of credit.
  • Farms that have previously participated in the FarmNEXT program are not eligible.
  • Applicants must reach specific income milestones by March 2028 to avoid repayment obligations.
  • A repayment agreement is required, stipulating conditions if the business or related assets are sold or the business is discontinued within five years.
  • NSDA has the authority to audit and requires potential evaluation survey completion from applicants.
  • Applicants' names and grant amounts are disclosed publicly by NSDA, which may also share limited information with other government bodies if necessary.

grant_single_labels|contact

prm@novascotia.ca
902-893-6377
Apply to this program