Deadline Date: August 31, 2026
The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Agriculture Support Program supports individuals from underrepresented and underserved communities in growing agricultural businesses through funding for business advisory services, specialized equipment, and farm building improvements.
The program focuses on supporting persons with disabilities, Black and African Nova Scotians, Mi’kmaq, Indigenous peoples, and other racialized individuals while promoting business growth, accessibility, farm improvement, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, sector competitiveness, innovation, market development, research, and public trust within Nova Scotia’s agricultural sector.
The program is delivered under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year federal, provincial, and territorial investment aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. In Nova Scotia, the partnership supports several program streams related to sector growth, climate and environment, market development, science and innovation, and resiliency initiatives.
Eligible applicants must be actively farming, be at least 19 years of age, and have an annual eligible gross commodity income of $30,000 or less. Applicants must also be registered under the Farm Registration Act. Farmers from underrepresented and underserved communities are encouraged to participate, and additional support may be available for those not currently registered.
The program offers financial assistance covering up to 80 percent of eligible project costs to a maximum of $8,000 per program year. Additional supplementary funding of up to $2,000 is also available for Business Advisory Services over the life of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership initiative.
Eligible expenses include farm building improvements, specialized equipment purchases, pest control activities, growing structure preparation, and farm safety or food safety planning. Used equipment may also qualify if purchased from recognized dealers and approved during the application process. Certain land improvement projects require a current Environmental Farm Plan.
The program also allows limited in-kind labour contributions toward approved projects. However, expenses such as travel, software licensing fees, operating costs, wages, buildings, shipping containers, and standard software purchases are not eligible for reimbursement.
For more information, visit Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.
