Aquaculture Loans – Farmed Shellfish

Licenced Nova Scotia shellfish producers may be eligible for assistance when purchasing farm assets to develop or expand a commercial shellfish farm. An aquaculturist applying for support must be a Canadian citizen and Nova Scotia resident or a registered Nova Scotia company in good standing, be the age of majority at the time of application – at least 19 years old and show evidence of competency in shellfish farming. Financing is available for: Purchase of existing aquaculture operations Collection materials, grow-out equipment and materials, rafts, buoys, flotation devices, anchors, nets, cages for grow-out, small boats, outboard motors and onboard gear handling devices Shellfish seed/spat

FCC Young Farmers Loan

If you’re a qualified producer under 40, the Young Farmer Loan can help you take the next step in your agriculture career. This program features:   Purchase ag-related assets up to $1,000,000 Closed variable rates at prime plus 0.5% No loan processing fees Special fixed rates available

Indigenous Community Support Fund

The health, safety and well-being of all people in Canada, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples is and will remain a top priority for all. Canada recognizes that First Nations, Inuit and Métis are among the most at-risk and that during this crisis. In particular, those in remote and fly-in only parts of the country are uniquely vulnerable. Communities are incredibly resilient and full of solutions and innovative ideas. This is why we must support distinctions-based measures to improve public health response for Indigenous communities and provide them with the flexibility they need to address the specific needs identified by communities and their members. This fund provides Indigenous leadership and organizations with the flexibility needed to design and implement community-based solutions to prevent, prepare and respond to the spread of COVID-19 within their communities. These funds can be used for measures including, but not limited to: preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 mental health assistance and emergency response services support for Elders and vulnerable community members measures to address food insecurity, such as support for the purchase, transportation and distribution of food, and access to traditional foods through hunting and fishing in the event of outbreaks educational and other support for children The request process for needs-based support is open and Indigenous communities and organizations can request funding now for funding covering the period until March 31, 2023. For formula-based funding allocated directly to First Nation, Inuit and Métis Nation communities, there is no deadline or request process. Direct allocations flow through existing agreements.

Small Farm Outreach Program

Nova Scotia has one of the highest numbers of small farms and new farm entrants in Canada. To connect these organic and conventional producers with the resources they need, and to answer basic production questions, Perennia offers information and workshops to address issues they may be challenged with. This program is aimed at those producers who grow crops or raise livestock on a scale where they just reach the threshold of being a registered farm ($10,000 in gross sales) but are seeking information to grow their farm business slowly since they may not have anyone working the farm full-time, or just starting their farm operation.