New Farmer and Fisher Programs in Atlantic Canada: Who Qualifies?

New Farmer and Fisher Programs in Atlantic Canada: Who Qualifies?

Starting a farm or fishing business in Atlantic Canada costs a lot up front. Land, equipment, licences, and training can each add up to thousands of dollars. It can take years before you earn steady income. Governments in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia offer special programs to reduce these risks, especially for first-time and young operators.

This guide covers who qualifies for the main programs, how much funding is available, and where new farmers and fishers often get tripped up.

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Prince Edward Island Programs

Future Farmer Program

The Future Farmer Program is for people getting started in agriculture on PEI.

Who qualifies

• New agricultural producers who have reported farm income for no more than five years
• Annual agricultural income must be under $20,000 for the Agri-Start sub-program
• Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• Must live in Prince Edward Island
• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous producers are eligible
• A business plan or succession plan is required (can be developed during the program)

Funding available

• On-farm continuous improvement projects: up to $10,000 per project (up to 3 projects)
• Skills training: up to $2,000 per project, $3,000 per recipient
• Business planning: up to $3,000
• PEI Analytical Lab testing: up to $1,000
• Business risk management support: up to $2,000

All funding is repayable, similar to a loan with better terms than most banks.

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Future Fisher Program

The Future Fisher Program helps new lobster fishers in PEI with the high cost of getting started.

Who qualifies

• PEI residents, 18 years or older
• Purchased a Class A lobster licence after January 1, 2009
• Must not have held a Class A lobster licence before
• One applicant per fleet (the licence holder)

Funding available

• Interest relief of up to $4,000 per year, for three years (maximum $12,000)
• Coaching and training support is also included

This funding is repayable and tied to licence financing.

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Nova Scotia Programs

Plant Your Roots Program — New Entrant

This stream of the Plant Your Roots Program supports people starting a farm business in Nova Scotia.

Who qualifies

• New farmers with less than five years of farm ownership
• Farm revenue below $30,000
• At least 19 years old and a Nova Scotia resident
• Registered under the Farm Registration Act
• Actively farming during the program year
• Must work with a provincial Business Development Officer on a business plan
• Indigenous applicants farming in Mi’kmaw communities are eligible

Funding available

• Up to $100,000 in repayable financing
• Helps new farmers reach commercial scale within five years

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Plant Your Roots Program — Commercial Farm Purchases

This stream supports first-time buyers purchasing an existing farm in Nova Scotia.

Who qualifies

• Purchasing a commercial farm or at least 25% ownership for the first time
• Must be newly registered (within six months)
• Annual gross farm income of at least $10,000
• Nova Scotia resident, age 19 or older

Funding available

• Up to $100,000, repayable
• Used to buy a commercial farm

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Fishing Licence Loan Program

This program supports new and returning fishers in Nova Scotia.

Who qualifies

• New entrants to commercial fishing
• Fishers re-entering the industry
• Existing fishers diversifying into new species

Funding available

• Covers up to 95% of project costs
• Used for licences and related gear
• Fully repayable

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Thinking “new” means only your first year
   Most programs define “new” as operating for up to five years, not just the first year.

2. Forgetting registration steps
   You must be properly registered under the Farm Registration Act in Nova Scotia before you apply.

3. Confusing loans and grants
   Many of these programs are loans or interest relief, not non-repayable grants. Plan your cash flow carefully.

4. Skipping the business plan
   Most programs require a business or succession plan when you apply, or soon after.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Future Farmer Program a grant or a loan?
The Future Farmer Program provides repayable funding. You must pay it back under set terms, but the terms are usually better than a regular bank loan.

Q: Can Indigenous farmers apply for these programs?
Yes. Both PEI and Nova Scotia programs include Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous producers who meet residency and activity rules.

Q: Do I need to own land to qualify as a new farmer?
Not always. Some programs accept leased land or partial ownership. Others focus on buying a commercial farm. Check each program’s rules.

Q: Are fishing programs only for lobster fisheries?
No. PEI’s Future Fisher Program focuses on lobster, but Nova Scotia’s Fishing Licence Loan Program supports several species.

Q: Can I apply to more than one program?
Sometimes, yes. You must disclose all funding sources and follow stacking rules. GrantHub helps track overlapping eligibility so you avoid conflicts.

GrantHub lists hundreds of active agriculture and fisheries programs across Atlantic Canada—see which ones fit your business before you apply.

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Next Steps

If you want to start a farm or fishing business in Atlantic Canada, your eligibility depends on more than just your idea. Years in business, income, and location all matter. Use GrantHub to see which new farmer and fisher programs in Atlantic Canada match your situation.

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See Also

• Loans vs Grants for Women in Agriculture: Key Differences Explained
• How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
• What expenses are eligible across Canadian grants and loans?

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