Plant Your Roots Program — New Entrant
NS, Canada
Funding for new commercial farming in Nova Scotia
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateFebruary 15, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Nova Scotia
- Department of Agriculture
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|terms_and_conditions
This program provides financial support in the form of an interest rebate intended to improve financial stability among new farmers owning or purchasing commercial farms in Nova Scotia.
- The interest rebate is determined by a calculation of the projected loan interest over four years, with a maximum limit of $100,000.
- This program reserves the right to limit benefits by refusing applications or distributing benefits proportionally among associated applicants.
- Funding is contingent upon achieving a minimum level of annual gross income equivalent to the rebate amount by March 2028; failure to meet this requirement necessitates repayment of the difference.
- Only fixed-rate loans are eligible, with variable interest rate loans, refinancing of existing loans, operating lines of credit, and residential mortgages being ineligible.
- Applicants are required to provide detailed loan information, including loan amount, purpose, amortization, and interest rate calculations over the four-year duration.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Plant Your Roots Program is designed to support the new ownership and financial stability of commercial farms in Nova Scotia. Eligible projects and activities focus on both new farm business establishment and improvement through innovative investments.
- Starting a farm business aiming to reach a commercial scale within five years.
- Purchasing an existing commercial farm for the first time.
- Acquiring at least a 25% interest in a commercial farm, paired with investment in innovative technologies focusing on labor efficiencies or supporting local food production.
- Investments to create active farm locations or reactivate viable farmland.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 200,000
Purchase of a 30% interest in a blueberry farm and establishment of a farm office
$ 120,000
Establishment of a free-range chicken farm with commercial scalability
$ 150,000
Purchase of a 25% interest in an apple orchard and development of direct-to-consumer sales channels
$ 225,000
Establishment of an organic vegetable farm with a community-supported agriculture (CSA) model
$ 350,000
Acquisition of 40% interest in a dairy farm to expand operations
$ 280,000
Purchase of a 35% interest in a mixed livestock farm and developing advanced irrigation systems
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Plant Your Roots Program is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's farming activities and intentions for farm ownership.
- The applicant must be a farm or Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community.
- For farms, the applicant must be currently registered in the correct income category under 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 goal of reaching a commercial scale level within 5 years, or purchasing a commercial farm (or at least 25% interest in a commercial farm) in Nova Scotia for the first time.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Plant Your Roots Program is designed for farms or Mi'kmaq engaging in farming activities within a Mi'kmaw community in Nova Scotia. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:- Farms must be registered correctly under the Farm Registration Act.- Applicants must be at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.- Farms must be in the process of establishing a business with the goal of reaching commercial scale within five years or purchasing a commercial farm, or at least a 25% interest in such a farm, for the first time.Further eligibility criteria delineate qualified applicants into two streams:### Stream 1: Beginning Farmer- Must have owned a farm business for less than five years and not achieved $30,000 in farm revenue.- Have a goal of reaching over $30,000 in gross farm sales within five years.- Collaborate with a Business Development Officer or Agricultural Representative on their business plan.- Expected to reach a minimum gross income by March 2028 equivalent to the rebate received.### Stream 2: Commercial Farm Purchases/Purchasing 25% Interest- Applicants purchasing 100% or a minimum of 25% interest in a commercial farm for the first time.- Required to achieve a gross income based on their percentage ownership by March 2028 equivalent to the rebate received.- Must borrow funds for purposes aligned with program criteria such as innovative technology or local food production.Additionally, the program fosters inclusivity, encouraging applications from equity-deserving communities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant program has certain restrictions regarding which companies or industries can apply, focusing solely on requirements that align with the program's objectives.
- Farms or individuals that have previously received benefits under the FarmNEXT Programs.
- Applicants who refinance existing loans, use variable interest rate loans, operate lines of credit, or have residential mortgages, as these loan types are ineligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Plant Your Roots program is designed to facilitate the acquisition and enhancement of commercial farms in Nova Scotia. The eligible activities primarily focus on purchasing farms or shares and investing in technologies that support farm productivity and innovation.
- Purchasing a 100% ownership in an existing commercial farm.
- Purchasing at least a 25% interest in a commercial farm for the first time.
- Investing in innovative technologies that enhance labour efficiencies on a farm.
- Implementing technologies that bolster local food production.
- Investing in properties to establish active farm locations or reactivate viable farmland.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to farms and Mi'kmaq conducting agricultural activities within specific areas in Nova Scotia. The focus is on supporting commercial farming operations within the region.
- Nova Scotia-based farms.
- Mi'kmaq communities involved in farming.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Plant Your Roots program has evaluation and selection criteria to determine eligibility for the grant:
- Applicants must be farm or Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community.
- Applicants must be currently and properly registered under the Farm Registration Act in the correct income category.
- Applicants must be at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.
- Applicants must be establishing a farm business with plans to reach a commercial scale level within 5 years or purchasing a commercial farm for the first time in Nova Scotia.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Application Preparation
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria outlined in the Program Guidelines.
- Develop a business plan in consultation with a local Business Development Officer or Agricultural Representative.
- Gather necessary documentation, including proof of farm registration and any recent tax documents such as Statement of Farming Activities or T1 General.
- Obtain loan approval and prepare a copy of the loan agreement detailing loan amount, purpose, amortization, interest rate, and fixed interest rate calculation.
- Step 2: Complete the Program Funding Registration Form
- If new to the programs since 2023, fill out the Program Funding Registration form.
- Update any changes to business information if you are a returning client.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit a complete application within 6 months of loan approval and by February 15, 2025.
- Include all required documentation and forms in your submission.
- Applications can be submitted to the Programs Division at the Department of Agriculture via mail, email, or fax as per contact details provided in the Program Guidelines.
- Step 4: Receive Approval
- Await review and possible approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDA).
- If approved, receive a Letter of Agreement and a Repayment Agreement outlining the terms and conditions.
- Step 5: Agreement and Conditions
- Review, sign, and return the Letter of Agreement and Repayment Agreement within 30 days of receipt.
- Ensure compliance with all terms and conditions to avoid any forfeiture of Program funding.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program encourages diversity and inclusivity, welcoming 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 minimum level of annual gross income must be met by March 2028, equivalent to the rebate received, with repayment required if the goal is not achieved.
- The program is expected to be offered yearly until 2028, allowing for future application opportunities as long as budgets and government priorities allow.
- Applicants who previously benefited from FarmNEXT Programs are not eligible for this program.
- Applicants must use fixed interest rate loans as part of the qualification criteria for financial assistance.
- Sharing or transfer of grant funds between associated entities could impact the application’s eligibility or the amount of the grant received.
- Applicants must report their farm's revenues using specific forms submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Confidentiality of applicants' information is subject to public information disclosure policies but can be shared with law enforcement if required.
grant_single_labels|contact
prm@novascotia.ca
902-893-6377
Apply to this program
Boosting New Agricultural Ventures in Nova Scotia
The Plant Your Roots program offers financial support to individuals and groups acquiring new commercial farms in Nova Scotia, aiming to ensure economic stability for new farmers during their initial operational years. The program provides interest rebates for eligible loans, facilitating the development of commercial farm businesses.
In-depth Insight into the Plant Your Roots Program
The Plant Your Roots program serves as a pivotal initiative by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture aimed at fostering new ownership of commercial farms in the region. By offsetting a portion of the loan interest through rebates, the program alleviates financial burdens on novice farmers, allowing them to allocate more resources towards developing their farm operations to achieve commercial scale within a five-year window. Leveraging a structured financial framework, this program ensures that inaugural farm owners can focus on productivity and scaling without the constant pressure of immediate financial return, thereby promoting long-term sustainability and growth in the farming sector.
This program is particularly crucial for beginner farmers or those purchasing their first farm or a significant interest in a commercial farm. By focusing on reducing the financial strain of new loans, it strategically positions these individuals to succeed in agriculture—a sector critical to Nova Scotia's economy. The program supports diverse participants, welcoming individuals from various backgrounds, including women, persons with disabilities, and communities such as Black and African Nova Scotians and Indigenous peoples, ensuring inclusivity and the development of a robust agricultural workforce.
Comprising two streams, the Plant Your Roots program provides tailored assistance designed to meet the specific needs of the applicants. Stream 1 focuses on beginning farmers who have been in operation for less than five years, where they are guided towards achieving a commercial scale within the stipulated time. Meanwhile, Stream 2 caters to new owners of existing commercial farms, or those purchasing a 25% interest in such enterprises, urging them towards investment in innovative technologies and practices that enhance operational efficiency and local food production.
Applicants must comply with established eligibility criteria, including age, residency, and registration under the Farm Registration Act, which dictates necessary structural and operational standards. A vital component of eligibility is the detailed business planning done in partnership with local business development officers or agricultural representatives. This ensures that all activities funded by the program are strategically aligned with achieving the required financial and operational milestones by 2028.
The financial support mechanism of the Plant Your Roots program is designed not only to solve immediate financial challenges but also to prepare farmers for economic sustainability and growth. By leveraging a fixed interest rate model on qualifying loans, the program minimizes financial volatility and cultivates a stable economic environment for new farm ventures. The capped interest rebate of up to $100,000 is both substantial and critical for covering significant portions of financial obligations over the course of four years, thereby encouraging continuous investment in agricultural advancement and sustainability strategies.
In essence, this initiative is not simply about monetary support; it’s a comprehensive approach designed to engender lasting impacts in the agricultural landscape of Nova Scotia. It ensures not only the survival of agricultural businesses amid competitive markets but also their ability to innovate, employ modern agricultural technologies, and contribute significantly to local and regional food production targets. This strategic investment in new farm ownership exemplifies Nova Scotia’s commitment to building a resilient, sustainable agricultural industry ready to meet future challenges while engendering economic and community growth.
Furthermore, the program mandates rigorous evaluative processes to ensure funds are appropriately utilized to maximize positive outcomes. Applicants are subject to a thorough review by the NSDA and other entities involved, ensuring compliance with the program’s objectives and safeguarding the integrity of the financial assistance provided. Successful applicants not only gain financial resources but are also equipped with the necessary tools and support to navigate the often-complex pathways to achieving robust farm business operations.
The Plant Your Roots program represents a cornerstone effort in enhancing Nova Scotia’s agricultural capacity and ensuring that new entrants in the farming industry have equitable access to the necessary resources to thrive. Through this initiative, Nova Scotia is empowering a new generation of farmers committed to sustainable development, local food production, and the overall growth of the agricultural sector.
