Value-adding Equipment Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Value-adding Equipment Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Value-adding Equipment Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Value-adding Equipment Program?

Value-adding Equipment Program is funded by Government of Nova Scotia, Department of Agriculture

Q: 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.

Q: Where is the Value-adding Equipment Program available?

The Value-adding Equipment Program program is available the province of NS.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Value-adding Equipment Program program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Value-adding Equipment Program program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Funding for agricultural and agri-food businesses in Nova Scotia

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : May 1, 2024
Closing date : June 30, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

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.

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 33,750

Install a solar-powered milling unit for local grain processing

$ 33,750

Install hydroponic systems for year-round vegetable production

$ 26,250

Acquire equipment to produce and package local honey

$ 37,500

Upgrade lobster processing facilities to meet export standards

$ 33,750

Purchase equipment to process apples for local cider production

$ 33,750

Purchase a pasteurization unit for local dairy processing

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Value-adding Equipment Program requires applicants to meet specific criteria based on their organizational profile and activities.

The applicant must be a farm, a Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community, or an agri-business.
For farms, the applicant must be currently and properly registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act.
For farms, the applicant must have generated an annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000.
For farms, the applicant must be at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.
For agri-businesses, the applicant must represent Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products.
For agri-businesses, the applicant must have generated an annual eligible agri-business income of at least $30,000.
For agri-businesses, the applicant must conduct value-added processing of a raw Nova Scotia agriculture product, with a direct partnership and significant economic impact to Nova Scotia's agricultural industry.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

prm@novascotia.ca

902-893-6377

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Value-adding Equipment Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Value-adding Equipment Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Value-adding Equipment Program?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Value-adding Equipment Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Value-adding Equipment Program?

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.