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Growing Forward Programs – Nova Scotia

The programs listed below are offered in the province of Nova Scotia under the Growing Forward framework. Please consult the Regional program page for a complete list of the programs available in this province.

National Programs


Provincial Programs

Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs)

This program is a comprehensive set of incentives to help farmers to mitigate on-farm environmental risk and to conserve energy.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


Biosecurity Implementation

This Biosecurity initiative has been designed to provide and enhance systems/processes to support the early adoption of biosecurity systems.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


Business Development Initiative

This initiative is open to entrepreneurs and the agri-food sector in Nova Scotia. It supports business development through the provision of business information, programs and services.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


Energy Conservation Program

The Energy Conservation Program is an initiative that encourages adopting research, energy conservation and alternate energy systems.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


Environmental Farm Plan Program (EFP)

EFP is a program that helps farmers identify and assess environmental risk on their property.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


Food Safety

The Food Safety program presents three initiatives that have been designed to facilitate the early adoption of government-recognized food safety systems.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


Graduate Research Training Initiative

This program provides financial support to graduate research that will benefit the agriculture and agri-food industry. It is open to students at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


Innovation & Commercialization of New Opportunities for Agri-based Products

The Innovation and Commercialization of New Opportunities for Agri-based Products Program has been designed to increase the competitiveness and profitability of the Nova Scotia agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector by supporting the innovation and commercialization of new opportunities.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


National Traceability System

This program will provide funding to businesses to assist in the purchase, installation and staff training in animal handling systems, equipment and data systems necessary to record and report data to industry and/or government databases.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


Strategic Infrastructure Investment Fund

The Strategic Infrastructure Investment Fund supports program funding for projects that require investment in physical/human infrastructure.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


Supporting the Innovative Capacity of Farmers

This initiative provides funds to support investment in the development or adaptation of technical innovations in agriculture.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


Technology Development 2000 Program 2008 - 09

This program supports the development & adaptation of new/leading agricultural technologies and knowledge.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Technology Development 2000 Program 2008 - 09 web site.


Water Quality

This program is designed to develop and protect water resources. This funding is targeted to ensure a supply of quality water for the maintenance and growth of on-farm production.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free: 1-866-844-4276. Information is available through the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.


Farm Investment Fund 2009-2010

The Farm Investment Fund (FIF) is offered in the province of Nova Scotia to farmers who have completed or initiated the Environmental Farm Plan.

The program supports sustainable growth in Nova Scotia farm businesses by providing investment for projects that enhance economic viability, farm and food safety, and promote environmental stewardship. It has been designed to enhance the skills of farm business owners; to develop marketing and value-added opportunities; increase awareness and compliance in areas of farm and public protection; and improve the level of environmental management.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free 1-866-844-4276. Information is also available through the Farm Investment Fund 2009-2010 web site.


Agri-Food Industry Development Fund 2009 - 2010

The Agri-Food Industry Development Fund encourages an entrepreneurial and market-driven approach to the agriculture and agri-food industry, and supports its role in adaptation, economic growth and rural development within the province of Nova Scotia.

A number of outcomes are anticipated including: increased opportunities for viable, long-term domestic and export markets for Nova Scotia agriculture and agri- food products; the introduction of new agriculture and agri-food marketing technologies and systems; enhanced management, organizational, leadership and technical skills in the agri-food industry; an increased awareness of the value of the agri-food industry to Nova Scotia's economic growth; and an opportunity for self-directed sector development, innovation and change management through agricultural industry organizations.

The program targets agri-businesses and agricultural industry associations that primarily represent identifiable Nova Scotia agri-food products and services. These entities must clearly demonstrate a direct partnership and beneficial economic impact to the Nova Scotia primary agricultural industry. In addition, government agencies and universities may be eligible, provided that industry support/contribution and partnership is demonstrated.

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free 1-866-844-4276. Information is also available through the Agri-Food Industry Development Fund 2009-2010 web site.


Nova Scotia Orchard and Vineyard Transition Program Guidelines 2009 - 2011

The Orchard and Vineyard Transition Program (OVTP) is to assist Nova Scotia producers in the removal of less desirable fruit trees or grapevines to aid in adaptation to industry pressures and changing markets.

To be eligible for the program, growers must have a current farm registration under the Farm Registration Act and be participating in the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program, at minimum signed up to have an EFP completed;

For additional information call 902-893-6510 or toll-free 1-866-844-4276. Information is also available through the Nova Scotia Orchard and Vineyard Transition Program Guidelines 2009 – 2011 web site.