Limestone Trucking Assistance Program Nova Scotia: How to Apply

If high soil acidity is hurting your crop yields, the cost of hauling limestone can be a real barrier. The Limestone Trucking Assistance Program Nova Scotia helps farms offset those trucking costs so you can apply lime where it’s needed and improve soil health. The program is run by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and is currently open.

What the Limestone Trucking Assistance Program Covers

The Limestone Trucking Assistance Program is designed to reduce the cost of transporting agricultural limestone to Nova Scotia farms. Lime helps correct soil acidity, which can improve nutrient availability and long-term productivity.

Here’s how the program works:

Funding amount: Up to $32,000 per applicant
Cost-share: Covers up to 80% of eligible trucking costs
Program type: Financial assistance provided by the Province of Nova Scotia
Jurisdiction: Nova Scotia only
Program status: Open
Administered by: Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture

Only trucking costs related to limestone application are eligible. The program does not cover the purchase of limestone itself or spreading costs.

Who Is Eligible in Nova Scotia

To apply for the Limestone Trucking Assistance Program Nova Scotia, you must meet specific eligibility rules.

You may be eligible if you are:

A farm registered under Nova Scotia’s Farm Registration Act
Actively farming during the program year
19 years of age or older
A Mi’kmaq individual or group conducting farming activities in a Mi’kmaw community
An agricultural industry association, including community pastures, that:
- Represents identifiable Nova Scotia agriculture or agri-food products
- Can demonstrate not-for-profit status

All farm applicants must also provide one of the following at the time of application:

A current soil analysis, or
A Nutrient Management Plan completed within the last three years

Eligible and Ineligible Expenses

Understanding what counts as an eligible cost can save you time and avoid application issues.

Eligible expenses include:

Commercial trucking costs to transport agricultural limestone to eligible farmland in Nova Scotia

Not eligible:

Cost of purchasing limestone
Limestone spreading or application costs
Equipment purchases
Labour not directly related to trucking

Only documented trucking invoices are typically accepted as proof of cost.

How to Apply for the Limestone Trucking Assistance Program

The application process is straightforward, but preparation matters.

Step-by-step:

Confirm your farm registration is current under the Farm Registration Act.
Gather your soil analysis or Nutrient Management Plan (must be less than three years old).
Estimate trucking costs and collect quotes or invoices if available.
Complete the provincial application form through the Nova Scotia government program page.
Submit all required documents before funding is fully allocated.

The program is demand-based, so applying early improves your chances. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry in seconds, especially if you’re applying for multiple agriculture supports.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without a valid soil test: Applications are often delayed or rejected if the soil analysis is outdated or missing.
Including ineligible costs: Limestone purchase and spreading are not covered under this program.
Assuming full cost coverage: The program covers up to 80%, not 100%, of trucking expenses.
Letting farm registration lapse: An expired farm registration makes you ineligible, even if all other criteria are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Limestone Trucking Assistance Program in Nova Scotia?
It is a provincial program that helps cover the cost of trucking agricultural limestone to farms. The goal is to reduce soil acidity and support long-term farm productivity.

Q: How much funding can I receive?
You can receive up to $32,000, covering a maximum of 80% of eligible trucking costs.

Q: Do I need a soil test to apply?
Yes. You must submit a soil analysis or Nutrient Management Plan that is no more than three years old at the time of application.

Q: Can agricultural industry associations apply?
Yes, as long as the association is not-for-profit and represents identifiable Nova Scotia agriculture or agri-food products.

Q: Is this funding repayable?
The program is structured as financial assistance tied to eligible costs. Always review your approval letter for any specific repayment or compliance conditions.

If you’re looking at broader farm funding, you may also want to read:

Loans vs Grants for Women in Agriculture: Key Differences Explained
Nova Scotia Small Business Tax Deduction: Eligibility Explained
What expenses are covered by fisheries science and innovation grants in Canada?

Next Steps

The Limestone Trucking Assistance Program Nova Scotia is just one of many provincial agriculture supports available each year. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your farm or association profile so you don’t miss funding that could lower your operating costs and improve soil health.

Limestone Trucking Assistance Program Nova Scotia: How to Apply