Closed
Value-adding Equipment Program
Funding for agricultural and agri-food businesses in Nova Scotia
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000
Timeline
- Open Date : May 1, 2024
- Closing date : June 30, 2024
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
Get up to $50,000 to cover up to 75% of eligible expenses for purchasing equipment for your business that increases local food production.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 1, 2024
- Closing date : June 30, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- $ 30,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Value-adding Equipment Program aims to enhance the capabilities of farms and agri-businesses involved in value-added processing. This involves investing in equipment that supports the processing of agricultural products produced in Nova Scotia, thereby bolstering local food production and sustainability efforts.
- Procurement of equipment for the processing of Nova Scotia agricultural products.
- Installation of new systems to enhance the value-added processing activities.
- Upgrading existing processing facilities to improve efficiency and output.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the Value-adding Equipment Program include farms, Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities within Mi'kmaw communities, and agri-businesses. Farms must be registered under the Farm Registration Act, generate a gross commodity income of at least $30,000 annually, and have active farmers aged 19 and above. Agri-businesses should represent Nova Scotia agriculture/agri-foods, generate at least $30,000 in agri-business income, and engage in value-added processing that directly partners with and benefits Nova Scotia's agriculture sector.Who is not eligible
This grant is specifically tailored to support value-added farming operations and excludes companies outside this scope. The restrictions ensure the program funds entities that contribute directly to local food production and sustainability.
- Companies not involved in agriculture or food production activities.
- Businesses that do not meet the specified income threshold of $30,000 in eligible income.
- Entities not representing agriculture or agri-food products from Nova Scotia.
- Firms not engaged in the processing of raw Nova Scotia agricultural products.
- Non-agricultural or non-farming related industries.
- Entities without a significant economic impact on Nova Scotia's agricultural industry.
- Farms not registered under the Farm Registration Act.
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Purchase of value-adding equipment
- Costs related to value-added processing of raw Nova Scotia agriculture products
- Expenses directly related to increasing local food production and sustainability
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is designated for entities operating within Nova Scotia, highlighting its focus on supporting the local agricultural sector exclusively. Eligible participants are therefore expected to have significant ties to the Nova Scotia region.
- Companies located within Nova Scotia.
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include factors such as income thresholds, age requirements, and a focus on value-added processing of local agriculture products.
- Applicant must be properly registered and meet income thresholds under the Farm Registration Act
- Minimum annual eligible gross commodity or agri-business income of $30,000 required
- Applicant must conduct value-added processing of Nova Scotia agricultural products with significant economic impact
- Age requirement of at least 19 years old for farming applicants
How to apply
1
Preliminary Consultation
- Contact the Department of Agriculture Programs Division for guidance and specific questions regarding the application process.
- Review the Program Guidelines thoroughly to ensure compliance with all eligibility requirements and understand the full application process.
2
Document Preparation
- Gather all financial documents proving at least $30,000 in eligible gross commodity or agri-business income.
- Ensure farm registration is current and correct according to the Farm Registration Act if applicable.
- Prepare evidence of your business's contribution to Nova Scotia's agriculture, food security, or sustainability improvements.
3
Application Submission
- Fill out the application form as provided in the Program Guidelines or obtained from contacting the Department.
- Submit the complete application form along with all supporting documentation to the Department of Agriculture Programs Division via mail or email as specified in the contact section.
4
Acknowledgement and Follow-Up
- Await confirmation of receipt from the program administrators.
- Be prepared to answer any follow-up questions or provide additional documentation if requested by the program administrators.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program aims to enhance local food production and sustainability.
- Applications are currently closed, and applicants will need to wait for the program to reopen in May 2024.
- Contact information for queries is available through the Department of Agriculture Programs Division.
- The grant program includes downloadable guidelines to aid in the application process.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Value-adding Equipment Program Program
What is the Value-adding Equipment Program?
Get up to $50,000 to cover up to 75% of eligible expenses for purchasing equipment for your business that increases local food production.
How much funding can be received?
Value-adding Equipment Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was June 30, 2024.
Who is eligible for the Value-adding Equipment Program program?
To be eligible for the Value-adding Equipment Program program, you must:
The applicant must be a farm, Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community, or an agri-business.
Farms need to be registered under the Farm Registration Act and have at least $30,000 in annual eligible gross commodity income.
Agri-businesses must represent Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products, and have at least $30,000 in annual eligible income.
What expenses are eligible under Value-adding Equipment Program?
The Value-adding Equipment Program aims to enhance the capabilities of farms and agri-businesses involved in value-added processing. This involves investing in equipment that supports the processing of agricultural products produced in Nova Scotia, thereby bolstering local food production and sustainability efforts. Procurement of equipment for the processing of Nova Scotia agricultural products.
Installation of new systems to enhance the value-added processing activities.
Upgrading existing processing facilities to improve efficiency and output.
Who can I contact for more information about the Value-adding Equipment Program?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at prm@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-893-6377.
Where is the Value-adding Equipment Program available?
The Value-adding Equipment Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.