Deadline Date: June 30, 2026
The On-Farm Resiliency Program provides financial support to registered farms, community pastures, and Mi’kmaq farming in Nova Scotia to help them prepare for nature-based perils such as extreme weather and wildlife damage, aiming to improve industry competitiveness and resiliency.
The On-Farm Resiliency Program is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year initiative supported by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture sector. In Nova Scotia, this partnership invests $46 million across several program streams, including climate change, environment, and resiliency, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion among applicants.
The program specifically aims to help farms, community pastures, and Mi’kmaq farming operations in Nova Scotia prepare for nature-based perils such as extreme weather events and wildlife damage, thereby enhancing the overall resilience and competitiveness of the agricultural industry in the province.
Financial assistance is available through two streams: Electrical Preparedness, which supports the purchase of generators and battery storage with funding up to 50% of eligible expenses (maximums from $5,000 to $50,000 based on farm income), and Wildlife Damage Mitigation, which covers fencing, deterrent devices, and guard animals with funding up to 50% of eligible expenses (maximums from $5,000 to $15,000 based on income). Additional support is available for in-kind labour and specific training for livestock guard animals.
Eligible applicants include registered farms, community pastures, and Mi’kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi’kmaw communities, provided they meet criteria such as minimum gross farming income, registration requirements, and age. Only one application per year is permitted, and projects on leased land require a long-term lease of at least 10 years. Ineligible expenses include travel, administrative overhead, buildings, operating expenses, and certain equipment.
Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026, with claims due by October 31, 2026. The approval process involves review by the Department of Agriculture, issuance of a Letter of Agreement, and submission of claims with supporting documentation. Funding is subject to availability and may be limited to ensure broad access.
For more information, visit Nova Scotia.
