On-farm Automation and Innovation Program
The On-farm Automation and Innovation Program supports investments in innovative technologies that require testing and knowledge sharing in Nova Scotia before widespread adoption.
Offered by Ministry of Agriculture
Amount
Maximum of 50% funding assistance to a maximum of $30,000 per program year; maximum of $60,000 per applicant over the life of the Sustainable CAP program (2023-2028)
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
- Registered farm
- Mi’kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi’kmaw Communities
Program Criteria
- currently registered in the correct income category under the Nova Scotia Farm
Registration Act
- applicant is at least 19 years of age and actively farming in the program year
- generates an annual eligible gross commodity income of $30,000. The
eligible commodity income will be based on the Farm Registration annual income.
Leased Land Eligible projects must be directly applicable to the registered farm qualifying for assistance on agricultural land owned or leased. A copy of the long-term lease (10 years) or rental agreement must accompany the Application for all physical projects applicable to the leased/rented land. It is a condition of approval that the lease be of at least 10 years duration. You must advise us immediately, in writing, if the lease is terminated, if the term of the lease changes or if the identity of the lessor changes in any way (for example, if the lessor assigns the lease or if the lease changes in composition).
Arm’s Length Transactions Program funding will only be offered on transactions (invoices) that involve a supplier/service provider with an arm’s-length relationship to the applicant for approved projects. For the purposes of programs, arm’s length is defined as individuals who are NOT connected by blood relationship, marriage, common-law partnership, or adoption.
About the funding
In the On-Farm Advancing Innovation Program, applicants can apply for a maximum of 50% funding assistance to a maximum of $30,000 per program year. The maximum amount of funding an applicant can receive over the life of the Sustainable CAP program (2023-2028) is $60,000.
Note 2: No more than 100% of non-repayable funding can be received for any eligible project cost incurred and paid for by the applicant. This applies to all Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDA) Programs.
Program funding will be provided to assist with projects that focus on innovative technologies that improve efficiency, reduce farm labour requirements, or pursue economic opportunities related to the bioeconomy. A knowledge sharing plan is required as part of the application.
Eligible expenses are:
Show all funding details
- innovative equipment or new technology costs
- contracted labour that has a direct relationship to the project;
- transfer of knowledge/ sharing of information activities;
- training related to the new technology; and
- software purchases and/or subscriptions related to the new technology
Note: Leased equipment is eligible. The program funding will cover up to 50% of the cost of the first year of the lease and not the total value of the equipment.
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Manufacturing Technology Assessments | Grant | Up to $50,000 | Open |
| AgriScience Program – Projects | Grant, In-Kind Support | Up to $5 million per project and $10 million per applicant over the program's duration (2023 to 2028) | Open |
| Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program | Grant, Loan | AAFC contribution normally not exceeding $1 million per project, generally not more than $5 million over 5 years for each applicant | Open |
| Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program | Grant | Non-repayable contributions of up to 70% of eligible project costs (up to 85% for young producers), limited to each producer's maximum funding amount based on their share of provincial quota/production | Open |
