Agriculture Appeal and Review Board
About the Board
The Agriculture Appeal and Review Board’s primary role is to provide a structured process to hear and decide appeals, arbitrations and complaints related to agricultural matters in Nova Scotia.
The Board ensures fairness, transparency and timely resolution of disputes under four agricultural statutes including the Animal Protection Act, Crop and Livestock Insurance Act, Farm Practices Act and Meat Inspection Act. By providing an impartial forum for dispute resolution, it helps protect farmers’ rights, uphold animal welfare standards and ensure compliance with agricultural regulations.
Application process
- File a notice: submit a notice with required documentation and fees (where applicable).
- Board review: the Board checks notices for completeness. If incomplete, applicants have 2 business days to provide missing information. If complete, the Board proceeds with scheduling a hearing and reviewing.
- Hearing: if accepted, the Board schedules a hearing and notifies all parties.
- Decision: following a hearing, a written decision is issued and shared with all parties. Some decisions may be published, with sensitive information removed. For notices under the Animal Protection Act, an oral decision will be provided in advance of the written decision within 2 business days following a hearing.
Fees
Certain applications require a fee ($100 for notices under the Animal Protection Act or Farm Practices Act). The fee is not subject to taxes and may be refunded if:
- the application is withdrawn
- the matter is resolved or dismissed before the Board renders a decision
- the application is successful
Fees must be provided in form of a certified cheque or money order, made payable to the Minister of Finance. Forward tracking information to the Board Clerk if submitting via courier or Canada Post.
Types of applications
- Applications under the Animal Protection Act
- Applications under the Crop and Livestock Insurance Act
- Applications under the Farm Practices Act
- Applications under the Meat Inspection Act
Applications under the Animal Protection Act
The Animal Protection Act was enacted to provide a framework for the humane treatment of companion and livestock animals in Nova Scotia. It establishes the responsibilities of the Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty (SPCA) and outlines the powers of inspectors and the Chief Inspector in enforcing animal welfare standards.
If you have had animals seized by the SPCA, you can appeal to have them returned. To appeal a seizure, you must submit a completed application to the Board Clerk within 5 business days following the date of seizure indicated on the seizure notice provided by the SPCA.
If you are granted a hearing, you may bring a lawyer to represent you. At the hearing both the appellant and respondent (SPCA) will each have an opportunity to present their case and ask questions of the other.
A complete application must include the following:
- a completed Notice of Appeal - Animal Welfare (PDF)
- a copy of the “Notice of Seizure” (provided by the SPCA)
- the fee ($100 certified cheque)
Applications under the Crop and Livestock Insurance Act
The Crop and Livestock Insurance Act establishes a provincial framework in Nova Scotia for providing insurance to farmers against losses to crops and livestock. Under the Act, the NS Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission administers provincial crop and livestock insurance plans, evaluates agricultural losses, and determines claim payments. The Board can provide arbitration of disputes arising from adjustment of losses.
To commence an arbitration, a completed application must be submitted to the Board Clerk within 60 business days after the end of the crop year in which the loss occurred. If approved, a hearing will be held within 30 business days of receiving a completed notice.
A complete application must include the following:
- a completed Notice of Application for Arbitration (PDF)
- a copy of the proof of loss form provided by the Commission
Applications under the Farm Practices Act
The Farm Practices Act protects farmers in Nova Scotia who follow normal farm practices from being sued for nuisance or negligence due to odour, noise, dust, vibration, light, smoke or similar disturbances arising from agricultural operations. Under the Act, the Board reviews complaints and may hold a hearing to determine whether a farm practice is considered normal. If not, the Board may order the practice to be modified or stopped.
To seek a determination as to whether an agricultural activity resulting in a complaint is a normal farm practice, a completed application must be submitted to the Board Clerk within 20 business days of the inciting activity. If approved, a hearing will be held within 30 business days of receiving a complaint.
A complete application must include the following:
- a completed Notice of Application for Determination of a Complaint of Nuisance or Negligence (PDF)
- the fee ($100 certified cheque)
Applications under the Meat Inspection Act
The Meat Inspection Act regulates the processing of meat in Nova Scotia and promotes consumer confidence in the meat supply by establishing the responsibilities of producers, processors and government in maintaining a safe meat inspection system.
The Board can hear appeals where an applicant or licensee has been refused a license, license renewal, or has had a license suspended or revoked.
To commence an appeal, a completed application must be submitted to the Board Clerk within 10 business days following the date the licensing decision was made. If approved, a hearing will be held within 30 business days of receiving a completed notice.
A complete application must include the following:
- a completed Notice of Appeal – Meat Inspection (PDF)
Stay connected
For detailed regulations and timelines, refer to the Agriculture Appeal and Review Board regulations under the Agriculture Appeal and Review Board Act. General inquiries may be directed to the Agriculture Appeal and Review Board Clerk.
Contact
For information or assistance, contact:
Agriculture Appeal and Review Board Clerk
Phone: 902-956-2707
Email: AARB@novascotia.ca
Mailing address:
Agriculture Appeal & Review Board
60 Research Drive
Bible Hill, NS
B6L 2R2
Related legislation and regulations
- Agriculture Appeal and Review Board Act (PDF)
- Animal Protection Act
- Crop and Livestock Insurance Act
- Farm Practices Act
- Meat Inspection Act
- Standards of Care for Cats and Dogs