Deadline Date: June 30, 2026
The Planning New Opportunities Program is inviting applications to support farms, agri-businesses, Mi’kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi’kmaw communities and agricultural industry associations in becoming more competitive, managing transition, developing risk management strategies and responding to change through business advisory services and planning activities.
The program focuses on business planning, succession planning, feasibility studies, emergency preparedness planning, data analysis, engineering plans, process improvement plans, food safety plans, farm safety plans, and translation services related to safety plans and product labels.
Applicants can receive funding covering up to 60% of eligible expenses, with a maximum contribution of $15,000. Succession plans can receive funding up to $15,000 over a two-year period. Eligible applicants include registered farms, Mi’kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi’kmaw communities, agricultural industry associations, and agri-businesses.
Farms must be registered under the Farm Registration Act, actively farming during the program year, have applicants who are at least 19 years old, and generate at least $30,000 in annual eligible gross farming income. Agri-businesses must represent identifiable Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products, generate a minimum annual eligible gross income of $30,000, and demonstrate the use or value of Nova Scotia products or ingredients.
Eligible expenses under the program include consultant services for business plans, succession plans, feasibility studies, emergency preparedness plans, data analysis fees, and engineering plans. The program also supports process improvement plans such as lean management and Six Sigma initiatives.
Funding is available for food safety plans, including HACCP-based plans, regulatory-based plans, and global food safety initiative plans. Farm safety plans covering policies, safe work procedures, inspections, record keeping, occupational hygienist services, and engineering certification are also eligible. Translation services for farm safety plans, food safety plans, and product labels are supported as well.
The program does not support travel expenses, administrative overhead, building modifications, in-kind contributions, training, software licensing costs, operating expenses, salaries, implementation costs related to approved plans, or HST.
For more information, visit Nova Scotia.
