Starting a farm in Nova Scotia is expensive. Land, equipment, livestock, and working capital can easily push startup costs into six figures before your first harvest. The good news: Nova Scotia has a dedicated new‑entrant financing program to help you reach commercial scale within five years.
If you are figuring out how to finance your first farm as a new entrant in Nova Scotia, this guide breaks down your main funding options, focusing on the Plant Your Roots Program — New Entrant.
The Plant Your Roots Program — New Entrant is the main financing program for first‑time farmers in Nova Scotia. It is delivered by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and helps new farmers build a viable, commercial operation.
This program is often used alongside personal savings, bank loans, or Farm Credit Canada financing to close funding gaps.
You may be eligible if you meet all of the following conditions:
Mi’kmaq farmers conducting farming activities in a Mi’kmaw community are also eligible under the program.
Plant Your Roots is performance‑based financing. To stay eligible, you must:
Because the funding is repayable, strong financial projections matter. Programs like this are best suited to farmers who are serious about scaling, not hobby operations.
Most new farmers in Nova Scotia combine several sources of funding. Here’s how Plant Your Roots usually fits into the mix.
Lenders and government programs expect you to have some personal investment. This can include:
Even modest personal investment improves your credibility with funders.
Plant Your Roots can help cover:
Because the funding is repayable, it often acts like long-term funding with more flexible terms than commercial loans. Long-term funding means you have more time to repay, which can reduce pressure on your business as you grow.
You may still need:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter provincial and federal programs that can be combined with loans, without violating stacking rules.
Plant Your Roots is repayable funding, not a non‑repayable grant. Treat it like a loan in your cash‑flow planning to avoid surprises later.
You must be properly registered under the Farm Registration Act in the correct income category before applying. Many applications stall here.
The program requires you to reach a minimum gross income by March 2028. Weak revenue projections are a common reason for rejection.
Working with a Business Development Officer is mandatory. Submitting an untested or unrealistic business plan can delay approval or reduce funding.
Q: Is Plant Your Roots a grant or a loan?
Plant Your Roots is repayable government assistance. While it is not a traditional bank loan, the funds must be paid back under agreed terms.
Q: How much funding can I receive as a new entrant?
Eligible applicants can receive up to $100,000, depending on their business plan, growth strategy, and financing needs.
Q: Do I need to own land to apply?
No. You can qualify if you are purchasing your first commercial farm or acquiring at least a 25% ownership interest in one for the first time.
Q: Are Mi’kmaq farmers eligible?
Yes. Mi’kmaq farmers conducting farming activities in a Mi’kmaw community are eligible under the program.
Q: Is Plant Your Roots funding taxable?
Repayable government assistance is generally not treated the same as income, but tax treatment depends on how the funds are structured. A farm accountant can confirm how it applies to your situation.
GrantHub tracks active agricultural funding programs across Canada — check which ones match your farm profile and growth plans.
Financing your first farm as a new entrant in Nova Scotia usually means combining personal capital, repayable government programs, and traditional lending. The Plant Your Roots Program — New Entrant is often the anchor that makes the numbers work.
If you want to see what other provincial or federal programs can complement Plant Your Roots, GrantHub can help you identify funding that fits your farm type, location, and stage of growth.
See also:
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.