Programs & Supports
The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture helps support and grow agriculture and agri-food throughout the province. They develop programs, services and polices to help farming in rural and urban communities be more competitive, sustainable and profitable. The Department of Agriculture delivers a variety of programs annually to help farmers succeed. Always check the eligibility requirements and program guidelines of programs that may interest you. Generally, a current farm registration is required to access programs delivered through the Department of Agriculture.
Some programs delivered by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDA) are not offered annually and the guidelines and application dates may change year over year.
Nova Scotia Agriculture Programs as of April 2023:
- Academic Partnership Program
- Apiculture Sustainable Growth and Health Program
- Environment Stewardship and Climate Change Program
- Get Growing Program
- Limestone Trucking Assistance
- On-farm Industry Preparedness Program
- On-farm Technology Adoption Program
- Planning New Opportunities Program
- Sector Driven Field and Farm Management Trials Program
- Speaker Series Assistance Program
- Value-adding Equipment Program
- Veterinary Student Placement Program
- Wildlife Damage Mitigation Program
To see all programs offered by the Department of Agriculture, visit their website here.
There are some programs that have been developed with new farmers in mind. These often have eligibility requirements that are more accessible to new farmers and are designed to help your business grow. Check out some of the new entrant programs by clicking the button to the right!
Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc.
There are programs delivered through Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc. Similar to NSDA programs, a current farm registration is generally a requirement for eligibility. Listed below are some programs of interest. Visit Perennia’s website here for the most up to date information, program guidelines and opening dates.
Informally known as ‘farm extension’, this program has been provided by Perennia on behalf of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture since 2001 at no cost to eligible producers, or cost recovery for some basic costs not covered by the program. Sectors covered include: horticulture, livestock, field crops and soils for both conventional and organic systems. Services covered by the program include: individual farm advice by phone, electronically and in person at the discretion of the specialist; publications and information online and in hard copy; virtual and in-person workshops and field days; and sector development projects. with collaborative partners.
The Food and Beverage Business Accelerator Program will support Nova Scotia producers and food and beverage processors in increasing revenues and profits by assisting them to get more products successfully to market; and opening new markets for current and new products.
