Market Opportunities and Diversification Program
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program supports local and export marketing activities that enable eligible producers, processors, and industry associations to:
1. Determine the necessary product and packaging modifications required to meet specific export market requirements and preferences.
Undertake marketing activities to meet changing requirements or emerging opportunities in domestic and export markets.
Offered by Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
Amount
Up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $20,000, across all streams; farms and agri-businesses by income level ($30,000 - $99,999: $5,000; $100,000 - $249,999: $10,000; $250,000+: $20,000 per year); associations a maximum of $20,000/year; maximum of $60,000 per applicant over the life of the Sustainable CAP Program (2023-2028)
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
Stream 1:
- Agricultural industry associations
Streams 2 and 3:
- Registered Farms
- Mi’kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi’kmaw communities
- Agri-businesses
- Agricultural industry associations
Program Criteria Farms 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.
- generate an annual eligible gross farming income of $30,000 or more. The eligible
farming income will be based on the Farm Registration income level.
Agricultural industry associations must:
- demonstrate not-for-profit status by providing documentation
- represents identifiable Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products (see note below).
Agri-businesses must:
- represent identifiable Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products (see note below).
- generate an annual eligible gross income of $30,000 or more based on 2025 T2
Corporation Income Tax Return and/or internal Income Statement; 2024 documentation will be accepted if 2025 taxes have not yet been filed.
- use the table below to show proof of purchase of a certain level of local ingredients
based on their income level.
- example: An eligible applicant has $55,000 in income, based on the table below
they will need to show proof of $10,000 in local inputs.
Proof of local ingredients:
Minimum annual purchases of raw Income Level agricultural ingredients $30,000 - $49,999 $5,000 $50,000 - $99,999 $10,000 $100,000+ $25,000 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 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $20,000, across all streams. The maximum an applicant can receive over the life of the Sustainable CAP Program (2023-2028) is $60,000.
Program funding for farms and agri-businesses will be based on the 3 levels below.
Agricultural industry associations can apply for a maximum of $20,000/year.
Income Level Maximum Funding/Year
Show all funding details
$30,000 - $99,999 $5,000 $100,000 - $249,999 $10,000 $250,000+ $20,000 Note: This program is anticipated to be offered again in 2027-28.
The following items are eligible in this program:
Stream 1: International Market Studies
- conducting in-market research, planning, and study preparation to determine if there is
demand for the product(s) in new export markets (outside of Canada).
- includes identifying key data such as market potential, cultural and consumer
preferences, competition, regulatory requirements, pricing strategy, distribution and logistics, risk assessment, and potential partnerships.
Stream 2: Digital Marketing Activities (Local and International Markets)
- website development (one-time cost) – no monthly fees or subscriptions
- website updates – customizations for new market requirements
- e-commerce
- digital marketing activities for new target markets
- graphic design for product labels, packaging
- graphic design for marketing materials (no printing or purchasing of packaging)
- design for trade show booth materials
- product photography and video
Stream 3: International Trade Events
- consolidated product sample shipping costs including logistical support.
Note: International Trade Events are being coordinated through the Department of Agriculture Marketing Division. Please contact info@nsfoodbeverageexports.com for more information.
Additional Expense Eligibility Requirements
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 to ensure that the associated costs will be approved for reimbursement.
In Nova Scotia, $46 million will be invested through a federal-provincial partnership that is linked to five program streams
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