Buying processing or packaging equipment is a big step for many farms. The Value-Adding Equipment Program in Nova Scotia helps by covering part of the cost when the equipment increases the value of agricultural products. If you farm in Nova Scotia, this checklist will help you quickly check if your operation is eligible before you apply.
Use this checklist to see if your farm meets the main eligibility requirements set by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.
To qualify, you must:
Mi’kmaq applicants may also qualify if they are farming in Mi’kmaw communities.
Your farm must have earned:
You need to show proof of this income, and it must come directly from farming activities. New or hobby farms below this amount are not eligible for this program.
To be considered an active farm operator, you must:
Passive landowners or farms that are not producing agricultural products this year do not qualify.
The program only supports equipment that clearly improves or expands value-added activity. Eligible equipment must help to:
Examples include processing, packaging, grading, or storage equipment, as long as it directly supports value-added production.
Before applying, check that your project budget matches the program’s limits:
You must pay the rest of the project costs. You also have to pay back the money you get from the program, following their rules.
Approved applicants are expected to:
If your timelines or budget are unclear or unrealistic, your application is less likely to be approved.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if this program — and others like it — fit your farm’s size, income, and location.
Applying without proper farm registration
If your farm registration is expired or in the wrong income category, your application may be rejected before review.
Including equipment that does not add value
Basic replacement equipment or items that do not increase processing, product value, or food security are usually not eligible.
Confusing repayable contributions with grants
This funding is a repayable contribution, not a non-repayable grant. You need a plan to pay back the amount you receive.
Missing proof of income
You must show that your farm meets the $30,000 gross commodity income requirement with proper documents.
Getting your application ready is easier when you know what to expect:
Following these steps will help you avoid common mistakes and improve your chances of approval.
Q: How much funding can a farm receive under the Value-Adding Equipment Program?
Farms can receive up to $50,000, covering a maximum of 75% of eligible project costs. The rest must be paid by the farm.
Q: Is the Value-Adding Equipment Program a grant or a loan?
The funding is a repayable contribution, not a non-repayable grant. You must pay back the money you receive, following the program’s repayment rules.
Q: What types of farms are eligible?
Eligible applicants include registered Nova Scotia farms that meet income and activity requirements, as well as Mi’kmaq farming operations in Mi’kmaw communities.
Q: Does processing equipment qualify?
Yes. Equipment that increases processing capacity or adds value to agricultural products is a main focus of the program.
Q: Can new farms apply if they are growing quickly?
No. Farms must already have at least $30,000 in eligible gross commodity income to qualify.
If your farm checks most of the boxes above, the Value-Adding Equipment Program in Nova Scotia could help you invest in processing or value-added capacity. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and loan programs across Canada — including provincial agriculture programs — so you can quickly see what matches your farm’s profile and plan your next move with confidence.
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