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For more information, contact the Agricultural Resources Coordinator nearest you or e-mail thinkfarm@gov.ns.ca.
Farm registration information
Farmers eligible to file a farm tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency may register their farms. Farm registration is voluntary, but it is required to access a number of services government provides to farmers. Registration fees range from $75-$975 per year, depending on gross farm income. Registration includes membership in the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. (Note: In order to be considered a “New Entrant” for certain funding programs, the farm must not have been registered for more than five years. Therefore, the farm should not be registered until it is generating income in order to qualify for certain programs that may be of benefit.) More info http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/acce
PLEASE NOTE: The process of registering your farm online through Access Nova Scotia has changed. Click here to reach the Access Nova Scotia Business Portal and then follow these instructions [PDF] to register. If you are renewing your Farm Registration, you should have received a renewal PIN in the mail from Access Nova Scotia. If you have trouble with online renewal, please contact Access Nova Scotia at 424-5200 or 1-800-670-4357.
ss/permits/forms/farm-registration.asp
Credit at competitive interest rates
The Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board is a Crown Corporation that provides credit and counseling to farmers and rural agri-businesses throughout Nova Scotia. Loans can be for terms up to 30 years with either fixed interest rates or term rates. The NS Farm Loan Board has a New Entrants to Agriculture Program to encourage new Nova Scotian farmers to purchase and develop successful farm operations. More info http://www.gov.ns.ca/agri/farmlb/
Funding for farm projects
The Department of Agriculture supports sustainable growth in Nova Scotia farm businesses by providing matched funds to invest in innovation, environment, business development and quality assurance projects that help make our agriculture and agri-food industry more competitive. More info: http://gov.ns.ca/agri/prm/programs/development_programs.shtml
The FarmNEXT Program, offered through the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board, grants interest rebates to eligible beginning farmers who have loans with the Farm Loan Board.
Soil, water, manure, compost, and feed testing
The Quality Evaluation Division operates several laboratories in support of Department of Agriculture programs. These laboratories analyze soil, manure, compost, and feed for their nutrient content. Water samples can be analyzed for mineral content. Farmers with a valid farm registration number are eligible for a 50 per cent discount on most laboratory analyses.
Livestock health support
The Livestock Health Services program supports access to veterinary services by farmers in Nova Scotia. Under the program, assistance is provided for veterinarians to travel to farms, as well as for veterinary services provided on the farm or at veterinary clinics. Additional support is provided for veterinary fees related to herd health visits for cattle, pigs, sheep and mink. Claims are made by enrolled veterinary practices on behalf of clients. The Quality Evaluation Division has a Pathology Lab that tests livestock for the presence of certain diseases and also performs post-mortem analyses on livestock. Farmers with a valid farm registration number are eligible for a 50 per cent discount on most Pathology Lab analyses.
Crop/livestock production information
The Government of Nova Scotia has contracted Perennia to provide production information to Nova Scotia farmers. Perennia has experts who specialize in the production of the full range of agricultural commodities produced in Nova Scotia. More info http://www.perennia.ca
Food safety
The Food Protection & Enforcement Division offers farmers and community groups training in safe food handling. Food safety specialists can provide advice on facility design and food handling in order to ensure the highest standards of food safety. The Division also issues Food Establishment Permits and Meat Slaughtering and Processing Licenses. More info http://www.gov.ns.ca/agri/foodsafety/
Environmental Farm Plans
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a voluntary program that helps farmers identify and assess environmental risk on their property. It allows farmers to be proactive on environmental issues and incorporate environmental considerations into everyday business decisions. Farmers work with an EFP program coordinator to develop a confidential environmental farm plan for the operation. Farmers who have completed EFPs may be eligible for federal and provincial cost-shared funding to implement beneficial management practices. The EFP program is delivered through the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA).
More info http://www.nsfa-fane.ca
Farm business development support
The Business Development & Economics Division review a business plan that beginning farmers have developed themselves. The Division houses the Business Management Online Library, which contains reference texts that may be useful for beginning farmers. The Marketing Services Division can help beginning farmers identify markets for farm products. The Product and Quality Development Division can help beginning farmers add value to farm products.
Crop/livestock insurance
Production insurance is available for 34 commercially grown crops, as well as dairy and poultry. In addition, a Wildlife Compensation Program is available to assist farmers who have experienced losses caused by specific wildlife species. More info http://www.gov.ns.ca/agri/ci/
Education
The Nova Scotia Agricultural College, located in Bible Hill, offers a wide variety of agriculture-related degree and diploma programs as well as short courses of interest to farmers and the general public through its Centre for Continuing and Distance Education.
Local marketing opportunities
Select Nova Scotia is an initiative of the NSDA to promote local food products through promotional materials and events. Nova Scotia farmers can register their products to be included in Select Nova Scotia promotional materials. More info http://www.selectnovascotia.ca
Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia Cooperative Ltd. has contact information and producer lists for all member farmers' markets throughout the province. More info http://www.farmersmarketsnovascotia.ca
Support for innovation
The Atlantic Centre for Innovation in Bible Hill, which has received both provincial and federal funding and is currently under construction, will help turn research advances into commercial products for the agri-food industry. The Supporting Innovation Capacity for Farmers initiative will provide funds to farmers, groups of farmers and commodity associations to support investments in the development or adaptation of technical innovations in primary agriculture, which contribute to on-farm profitability and competitiveness. The Product and Quality Development Division can help beginning farmers with adding value to their farm products through processing.
Farm truck plates and fuel tax refund
Registered farms can apply for farm truck license plates for a truck that is used exclusively for farm purposes, like hauling trailers or bringing produce to market. Farm license plates are cheaper than regular license plates. http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/RMV/registration/register.asp#Farm
In addition, farms can apply for a refund of the provincial tax on gasoline, propane or diesel fuel. http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/pdf/ans-taxcomm-fuel-refund-application.pdf
Experienced farmers - investment opportunities
For experienced farmers from outside of Nova Scotia and Canada who would like to relocate to Nova Scotia to establish farming operations, the Department of Agriculture, Marketing Services can help facilitate this process. We work closely with other government agencies, immigration and industry to ensure you have the expertise available to make an informed business decision. For more information, contact Kim Forsyth; (902)-424-8612; email - forsytka@gov.ns.ca
Publications
Links to other organizations
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- federal agency responsible for agricultural policy, programs and research
- special AAFC webpage for Young and Beginning Farmers - Atlantic Canada Organic Regional Network
- production information, workshops, webinars
- Canadian Farm Business Management Council
- newsletters, books, and DVDs to help you become a better farm manager
- Community Business Development Corporations
- business counseling and financial assistance
- Ecology Action Centre
- urban land share program, information on food and farming issues in Nova Scotia
- Harrison Lewis Centre
- workshops and other events for farmers, foresters, and rural residents
- Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services
- business counseling, language training and other services for newcomers to Canada
- Industry organizations and associations
- connect with other producers
- National Farmers Union Youth
- campaign for new farmers
- Nova Scotia Agricultural College
- degrees and diplomas in agriculture, courses through the Centre for Continuing and Distance Education, research and expert advice
- Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture
- recognized voice of Nova Scotia farmers, source of information on general farm issues
- Nova Scotia Young Farmers Forum
- network with other young farmers in the province
- Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada
- fact sheets, research reports, and extension services on organic production
- Perennia
- agricultural consulting and production information
- Pollination Project
- incubator farm, workshops and other events on sustainable living
- Select Nova Scotia
- directory of local producers
- Regional Development Authorities
- business development support
- -STEP UP
- a mentorship program (minimum 8-week commitment) facilitated by the Canadian Farm Business Management Council
- Stewards of Irreplaceable Land (SOIL)
- Canada's Sustainable Farm Apprenticeship Program
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