How much funding can be received?

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

This grant is specifically tailored for farms and individuals residing in Nova Scotia, making it regionally targeted to support local farming endeavors. The program aims to bolster the agricultural landscape within the province, ensuring regional prosperity and sustainable farm growth.

Nova Scotia, Canada.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$80,000

Purchase of high-efficiency tractor for sustainable farming practices

$50,000

Upgrade irrigation system for increased crop yield and efficiency

$70,000

Implement solar energy system to reduce farm operating costs

$60,000

Expand greenhouse facilities to increase vegetable production

$30,000

Hire agricultural consultant for improving farm yield and sustainability

$40,000

Introduce new crop varieties and upgrade soil health management

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the Plant Your Roots grant requires applicants to meet specific criteria related to farm registration and operations.

The applicant must be a farm or Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community.
The applicant must be currently and properly registered under the correct income category of the Farm Registration Act.
The applicant must be at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.
The applicant must be establishing a farm business with the aim of reaching a commercial scale within 5 years, or be purchasing a commercial farm (or at least 25% interest) in Nova Scotia for the first time.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Plant Your Roots program is open to farms and Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community in Nova Scotia. To apply, farms must be appropriately registered under the Farm Registration Act and be operated by individuals who are at least 19 years old. Additionally, applicants must be actively farming in the program year and aiming to reach commercial scale operations within five years or must be purchasing a commercial farm or at least a 25% interest in one for the first time.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The Plant Your Roots Program specifies certain eligibility criteria related to applicants' registration and activities, which implies exclusions for those not meeting these requirements. Below are the types of entities or restrictions inferred from the program guidelines.

Farms or entities not registered under the Farm Registration Act in the correct income category.
Individuals or entities under 19 years of age.
Applicants who are not actively farming in Nova Scotia within the program year.
Entities intending to refinance existing loans or use variable interest rate loans.
Applicants who have previously received benefits under the FarmNEXT Programs.
Applicants operating a substantial part of their business on shared or coordinated properties and resources with other applicants.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Plant Your Roots Program provides financial assistance to new farmers in Nova Scotia to establish and scale their farm businesses. The grant focuses on supporting loan interest for projects that enhance farm operations through new purchases and innovative technology investments.

Purchasing new commercial farms or buying at least a 25% interest in an existing commercial farm.
Investing in innovative technologies that improve labor efficiencies on farms.
Purchasing technologies that bolster local food production capabilities.
Investing in properties aimed at creating active farm locations or reviving viable farmland.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses related to borrowing money for new loans under certain conditions.

Interest on new loans with a fixed interest rate only.
Loans for purchasing an existing commercial farm (100% interest) or purchasing at least 25% interest in a commercial farm.
Loans for innovative technologies focused on labor efficiencies.
Loans for technologies supporting local food production.
Loans for investment in properties to create active farm locations or reactivate viable farmland.

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

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Ensure you meet the criteria for either Stream 1 or Stream 2.
- Confirm registration under the Farm Registration Act in the correct income category.
- Must be at least 19 years old and a resident of Nova Scotia actively farming in the program year.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Obtain a copy of the loan agreement covering all loan details, including amount, amortization, and fixed interest rate.
- Prepare Statement of Farming Activities (T2042, T1273) or Schedule 125 to report farm revenue if applicable.
- Provide personal T1 General pages 1 & 2 if not reporting farm revenue.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form ensuring all information is complete and accurate.
- New programs clients since 2023 must complete a Program Funding Registration form.
- Update any changes if you are a returning client.
Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application within 6 months of loan approval and by February 15, 2025.
Step 5: Await Approval
- Applications will be reviewed by NSDA as they are received.
- If approved, receive a Letter of Agreement and Repayment Agreement.
Step 6: Finalize Agreement
- Review, sign, and return the LOA and Repayment Agreement within 30 days of issuance.
- Failure to return within the period will result in forfeiture of program funding.
Step 7: Contact for Assistance
- Reach out to Programs for any queries or clarifications needed during the process via phone, email, or regional offices.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The program welcomes individuals from diverse and inclusive sectors, particularly encouraging applicants from equity-deserving communities such as women, persons with disabilities, Black and African Nova Scotians, First Nations, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQI+, and racialized individuals.
The interest rebate is calculated based on a four-year projection of eligible loan interest, capped at $100,000.
The approval process includes receiving a Letter of Agreement (LOA) and a Repayment Agreement which must be signed and returned within 30 days.
If an applicant’s project does not meet the required income threshold by March 2028, they will be required to repay part of the funds.
Funding is not available for variable interest rate loans, refinancing of existing loans, operating lines of credit, or residential mortgages.
Applicants need to submit applications within 6 months of loan approval and provide specific documentation, including a copy of the loan agreement.
The confidentiality of applicants’ data will be maintained, with specific information release as determined by program guidelines.
The program requirements also include participation in evaluations or audits if selected by NSDA or the Government of Canada.

grant_single_labels|contact

prm@novascotia.ca

902-893-6377

Apply to this program

Financial Support for New Farmers in Nova Scotia

The Plant Your Roots program provides essential financial support for aspiring farmers seeking to establish or acquire commercial farms in Nova Scotia. This initiative aims to bolster the financial health and operational stability of beginner farmers within their initial years of operation through calculated interest rebates on eligible new loans.

The Plant Your Roots Program: Cultivating New Farming Ventures

The "Plant Your Roots" program is an essential initiative grounded in the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture's commitment to nurturing the next generation of farmers and enhancing the agricultural landscape in the province. Targeted specifically at new farm owners, this program offers financial assistance to ensure that these agricultural entrepreneurs can thrive, with an emphasis on developing economically viable and diverse farming operations. The initiative focuses on the critical early years of business where financial challenges can be particularly daunting, providing support that encourages both stability and growth.

This program is strategically designed to facilitate financial stability by offering interest rebates on new commercial farm loans. Through this mechanism, the program lowers the financial barriers entry into agriculture for new farmers, whether they are embarking on establishing their own farm or investing for the first time in an existing commercial farm. The core objective is to assist these farmers in navigating the financial challenges of the initial years by alleviating the burden of loan interest, thereby promoting sustainable growth and development.

"Plant Your Roots" stands out because of its commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the agricultural sector. Embracing all equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous peoples, women, 2SLGBTQI+, Black and African Nova Scotians, and other racialized groups, the program ensures a broad spectrum of voices is empowered in shaping the future farming landscape of Nova Scotia. This inclusivity is a crucial aspect, as it not only strengthens the agricultural community but also enhances the cultural richness of farming narratives in the region.

Participants in the Plant Your Roots program are segmented into two streams: beginning farmers planning to reach a commercial scale within five years, and individuals purchasing their first commercial farm or a significant interest in such a farm. Such strategic categorization ensures that resources and support are effectively targeted towards varying needs, thus maximizing the impact of the program funds. The evaluation of eligibility and the structuring of rebate expectations are meticulously aligned with these streams, ensuring a clear and fair distribution of resources.

For applicants, the program imposes certain obligations which include reaching a set income level corresponding to the interest rebate received by a specific milestone year. This measure not only fosters goal-oriented development but also encourages participants to integrate effective business practices that contribute to their growth and success as commercial farm owners. Moreover, those engaged in the program have the opportunity to collaborate with Business Development Officers and Agricultural Representatives to refine their business strategies, ensuring that both financial acumen and agricultural proficiency are optimized.

Looking ahead, the Plant Your Roots program promises continued support for new farmers via successive funding cycles, subject to budget considerations and evolving governmental priorities. This long-term commitment underscores the program's vital role in sustaining Nova Scotia's agricultural vitality and economic health. However, it remains imperative for applicants to acquaint themselves with all eligibility criteria, ensure compliance, and submit thorough documentation in support of their applications to benefit fully from this program.

Given the potential impact of the Plant Your Roots program on fostering a robust farming community in Nova Scotia, it represents not just a financial aid avenue but an integral part of the province’s strategic plan to innovate, diversify, and stabilize its farming sector. Farmers participating in this program are not only securing immediate financial benefits but are also contributing to the province's long-term agricultural prosperity and sustainability through their entrepreneurial ventures.