Wine and Grape Industry Development Program
The Wine and Grape Industry Development program supports the environmental, economic and social sustainability of Nova Scotia's wine industry. The program helps grape growers and wineries prepare for climate change and supports marketing and training activities.
Offered by Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
Amount
Up to 60% of eligible expenses
Up to 60% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $50,000/year dependent on grape acreage ($25,000 for certified small farm wineries or grape growers with 2 to <10 acres; $50,000 for certified farm wineries or grape growers with 10 acres or more); agriculture industry associations up to $50,000/year
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
- Nova Scotia certified farm wineries and small farm wineries
- Farms with grape commodity income
- Agriculture industry associations may apply for marketing and training/consultant
projects that will benefit multiple vineyards/wineries.
The Province of Nova Scotia supports the development of diverse and inclusive industries. All equity-deserving communities including but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, Black and African Nova Scotians, Mi’kmaq, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQI+ and racialized individuals may apply to programming.
Program Criteria Farm wineries and grape growers must:
- be currently registered under the Farm Registration Act.
- be actively farming in the program year and the applicant must be 19 years of age or
older.
- have a minimum of 2 acres of wine grapes in production and have a contract for sale of
grapes or proof of grape sales to a Nova Scotia winery.
Agriculture industry associations must:
- demonstrate not-for-profit status by providing documentation.
- represent identifiable Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products (see note below).
Additional requirements:
- Applicants applying for on-farm water management projects must provide Schedule A
and B of their Environmental Farm Plan (requested projects must be listed).
Note: Identifiable agriculture and agri-food products are products supporting economic growth using Nova Scotia primary agricultural ingredients
About the funding
Applicants can apply to receive Program funding up to 60% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $50,000/year dependent on grape acreage. Agriculture industry associations can apply for a maximum of $50,000/year.
Certification status or acres of wine grapes in production Maximum Funding Certified small farm wineries or grape growers with 2 to <10 acres $25,000 Certified farm wineries or grape growers with 10 acres or more $50,000 Note: This program is anticipated to be offered again in 2027-28.
The following items are eligible in the program:
Alternative/Efficient Energy Installations
Show all funding details
- Low carbon fuel switching technologies (e.g. electrification, replacing oil systems with
high efficiency low carbon options)
- Energy efficiency opportunities identified in an energy assessment (e.g. solar, wind,
geothermal, ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps)
- Installation of 3-phase power
- Battery storage
- LED lighting
- Energy monitoring systems
- Backup generators (Applicants are only eligible to receive Program funding for one
generator from any source over the life of CAP and Sustainable CAP.) Climate Adaptation
- Equipment for frost protection
- Sustainable pest control technology (e.g. efficient sprayer technology, alternative weed
management equipment) including netting equipment)
- Winter vine covers
- Mechanical deterrent devices (e.g. motion detecting noise devices, scare
cannon/bangers/wailers, scare lights)
- On-farm water management (e.g. tile drainage, wells, ditching) – projects will be funded
at the same cost share percentage and must meet the same requirements as the On- Farm Water Management Program (https://novascotia.ca/on-farm-water-management/) Energy Efficient Equipment
- Rebates on electrified farm equipment
- Battery powered augur - $80
- Battery powered chainsaw - $125
- Battery powered cultivator - $275
- Electric pallet jack - $500
o Electric mower - $500 o Electric pruner - $175 o Electric trimmer - $130
- Electric utility vehicle - $1650
- Rebates for other electrified farm equipment may be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Technology adoption (e.g. automation, packaging, innovation, precision equipment)
- Energy efficient wine processing equipment (cost of equipment, any required training,
and installation fees associated with site preparation may be eligible) Marketing
- Website development (one-time cost) – no monthly fees or subscriptions
- Website updates – customizations for market requirements
- E-commerce
- Digital marketing activities (social media)
- Graphic design for product labels, packaging
- Graphic design for marketing materials (no printing or purchasing of packaging)
- Product photography and video
- In-market product showcase (store tastings) outside of Atlantic Canada
- Branding and promotion consultant services
- Translation services for new promotion materials
Training (recognized course of study) *will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Course fees/materials only (e.g. Food Safety and Hospitality, Farm Safety, Sommelier,
Vineyard Management)
- Viticulture consultant services
Additional Expense Eligibility Requirements
- Used equipment must be purchased from a recognized dealer and be in good condition.
Applicants must identify at time of application if they are purchasing used equipment, and these applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Program funding will only be offered on transactions (invoices) that do not involve a
supplier/service provider that is associated with the applicant, unless it is proven that an associated supplier/service provider is the only registered company providing that service in the area. In such cases that it is necessary to proceed with an associated supplier/service provider, the applicant must apply for a pre-approval from Programs before proceeding or submitting a claim to ensure that the associated costs will be approved for reimbursement.
Similar programs
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|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Advanced Manufacturing Technology Assessments | Grant | Up to $50,000 | Open |
| Business ii: Mentorship Program | Grant | 75% of total budget up to max investment – $15,000 maximum per Applicant per Deadline | Open |
