Plant Your Roots Program — New Entrant

Getting a farm off the ground in Nova Scotia can be financially challenging, especially in the early years when loan payments and operating costs are at their highest. The Plant Your Roots Program — New Entrant was created to ease that pressure for people starting a new farm business with plans to grow into a commercially viable operation. Delivered by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, this program focuses on strengthening the financial stability of beginning farmers as they establish themselves.

Rather than funding day-to-day expenses, the program helps offset the cost of interest on new farm loans, based on a multi-year projection. Support can add up to around $100,000 over time, making it easier for new entrants to invest in land, equipment, or infrastructure without being overwhelmed by financing costs. Participants are expected to work closely with a local Business Development Officer to develop and refine a solid business plan, with the goal of reaching a sustainable commercial scale within the first few years of operation.

Designed for startup farms in the agriculture and agri-food sector across Nova Scotia, the Plant Your Roots Program is particularly relevant for first-time farm owners and those building revenue in the early stages. Applications are currently being accepted on an ongoing basis, and understanding how the program fits your farm plans is an important next step worth exploring in more detail.