Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change Program
Highlights
This program is designed for you if you are a farm or Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community. It offers a unique opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. By participating, you can accelerate the adoption of beneficial management practices that are crucial for sustainable farming.
Why Apply?
- Financial Support: Access funding to implement environmentally friendly practices.
- Sustainability: Improve your farm's resilience to climate change.
- Government-Backed: Benefit from a program supported by the government, ensuring reliability and trust.
What's in it for You?
- Funding for Priority Practices: Use the funds to adopt practices that reduce emissions and enhance sustainability.
- Long-Term Benefits: Position your farm for future success by becoming more environmentally responsible.
- Ease of Qualification: If you meet the basic criteria, the application process is straightforward.
Applying for this program can significantly benefit your farm by providing the necessary resources to become more sustainable and resilient.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Eligible Expenses:
- Equipment and technology that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Infrastructure improvements for climate adaptation.
- Training and education related to environmental stewardship.
- Consulting services for environmental planning and implementation.
Use of Funds:
- Funds cannot be used for general operational costs.
- Funds cannot be used for activities unrelated to environmental stewardship or climate change adaptation.
- Funds cannot be used for expenses incurred before the grant approval date.
Fees:
- No application fees.
- No administrative fees.
Qualifications
- Must be a farm or Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community.
- Must be currently and properly registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act.
- Must have generated an annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000.
- Must be at least 19 years old.
Must be actively farming in the program year.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses not engaged in farming activities.
- Farms not registered under the Farm Registration Act.
- Farms with an annual gross commodity income of less than $30,000.
- Individuals under the age of 19.
Description
This program helps your business reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. You can receive funding to adopt beneficial management practices that are a priority.
You can use the money for:
- Upgrading equipment to be more energy-efficient
- Implementing new farming techniques that reduce emissions
- Enhancing your farm's resilience to climate impacts
The program offers significant financial support. The funds you receive can help cover costs for these improvements, making it easier for your business to transition to more sustainable practices.
There are no payback requirements for this funding. This means you can focus on making necessary changes without worrying about repayment. This is a great opportunity to invest in your farm's future while contributing to environmental stewardship.
Program Steps
Complete the Program Application Form: Download and fill out the Program Application Form. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the following documents to support your application:
- Current (within the last 5 years) Environmental Farm Plan
- Proof of farm registration under the Farm Registration Act
- Financial statements showing an annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000
- Any additional documents specified in the application form
Complete the Program Funding Registration Form: Download and fill out the Program Funding Registration Form specifically for farm applicants.
Review Program Guidelines: Carefully read the Program Guidelines to ensure you understand all requirements and deadlines.
Submit Your Application: Send the completed Program Application Form, Program Funding Registration Form, and all supporting documents to the Programs Division office at the following address:
- Department of Agriculture
- Programs Division
- 74 Research Drive
- Bible Hill, NS B6L 2R2
Contact for Assistance: If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact the Department of Agriculture at 902-893-6377 or toll-free at 1-866-844-4276. You can also email [email protected].
Track Your Application: Keep a copy of all submitted documents and track your application status. Follow up with the Programs Division if necessary.