Many Nova Scotia farms want to grow beyond local sales but aren’t sure if they qualify for provincial support. The Nova Scotia Market Opportunities and Diversification Program helps farms invest in new markets, including export and online sales, but eligibility rules are strict. This guide explains which farms qualify, what income thresholds apply, and how the program supports market expansion.
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program is delivered by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. It supports farms and agri-food businesses that are actively working to expand or diversify their markets.
To qualify as a farm, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Be a registered farm in Nova Scotia
Your operation must be registered under the Farm Registration Act.
Meet the minimum income requirement
Your farm must generate at least $30,000 in annual eligible gross commodity income.
Be actively farming in the program year
The program is not for inactive or speculative operations. You must be producing agricultural products during the year you apply.
Operate in Nova Scotia
The program is provincial and only supports farms based in Nova Scotia.
Applicant must be 19 years or older
The individual signing the application must meet the age requirement.
The program also accepts applications from:
Each group has slightly different criteria, but the farm-specific rules above apply if you are applying as a farm operation.
Once your farm meets the eligibility rules, funding is tied to specific market development activities. The program gives up to $75,000 total for each farm over the life of the program (2023–2028). Each activity has its own cost-share limit.
Eligible activities include:
International market consultants
Digital marketing activities (local and international)
International market readiness activities
Most funding is a repayable contribution. Check your agreement for details.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Nova Scotia agriculture programs by farm income, activity type, and market focus.
To apply for the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program, farms need to:
Remember, activities started before you get written approval are not eligible for funding. Wait for confirmation before beginning your project.
Even eligible farms are declined if they apply for ineligible costs. Common exclusions include:
Applying without farm registration
Many first-time applicants forget that Farm Registration Act status is mandatory. Without it, applications are rejected.
Missing the $30,000 income threshold
Gross commodity income must meet the minimum. Projected or future income does not count.
Applying for production instead of marketing costs
This program is about selling into new or diversified markets, not increasing production capacity.
Starting activities before approval
Expenses incurred before approval are not eligible, even if they otherwise meet program rules.
Q: Do small farms qualify for the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program?
Yes, as long as your farm generates at least $30,000 in annual eligible gross commodity income and is registered under the Farm Registration Act.
Q: Is the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program a grant or a loan?
Most funding is a repayable contribution. Check your agreement for details.
Q: Can farms use this program for export markets?
Yes. International market development and export readiness are core priorities of the program.
Q: Are Mi’kmaq farms eligible to apply?
Yes. Mi’kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi’kmaw communities are explicitly eligible applicants.
Q: How much can a farm receive in total funding?
A farm can receive up to $75,000 over the life of the program (2023–2028), subject to activity-specific caps.
If your farm meets the eligibility rules, the next step is confirming which market activities align with your growth plans. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including Nova Scotia agriculture funding, so you can quickly see which options match your farm’s size, income, and market goals before you apply.
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