On-Farm Resiliency Program

Extreme weather events and increasing wildlife pressures are creating real operational risks for farms across Nova Scotia. The On-Farm Resiliency Program is designed to help agricultural operations strengthen their ability to withstand these challenges by investing in practical, preventative improvements. Delivered by the Government of Nova Scotia’s Department of Agriculture, this program focuses on protecting farm assets, livestock, and production capacity before disruptions occur, rather than responding after losses are sustained.

Funding is available through two main support streams. One stream helps farms improve electrical preparedness, such as backup power solutions and infrastructure upgrades that reduce downtime during storms or power outages, with funding support of up to about $50,000. The second stream targets wildlife damage mitigation, helping offset costs for measures that prevent or reduce damage from animals, with smaller but meaningful contributions toward eligible projects. Support is provided as non-repayable funding, covering a portion of approved expenses, which can make resilience investments far more accessible for established farm businesses.

The program is intended for Nova Scotia farms and Mi’kmaq producers actively engaged in agricultural production and meeting certain operational requirements. While intakes are offered periodically rather than year-round, staying informed about future openings can help farm operators plan ahead. Reviewing the full program details through GrantHub is a smart next step for determining whether this funding aligns with your farm’s resilience goals.