The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture Farm Investment Fund (provincial) and the Canada-Nova Scotia Environmental Farm Stewardship Program (federal/provincial - Environmental Farm Plan required) are available to assist existing producers and new entrants to the industry in the development of specific aspects of their farm operation.

The Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board (NSFLB) is an agricultural development agency serving the needs of agriculture and forestry through the provision of long-term credit at fixed interest rates. The NSFLB administers the New Entrants to Agriculture Program. The objective of this program is to encourage new Nova Scotia farmers to purchase and develop successful farm operations.

AgriInvest accounts help producers protect their margin from small declines. AgriInvest replaces the coverage for margin declines of less than 15 per cent. Each year, producers will make a deposit into an AgriInvest account, and receive a matching contribution from federal and provincial governments. Producers will have the flexibility to use the funds to cover small margin declines or for risk mitigation and other investments. Forms are available on the program web site or by calling 1-866-367-8506.

AgriStability You receive an AgriStability payment when your current year program margin falls below 85 per cent of your reference margin. AgriStability is based on margins: Program margin - your allowable income minus your allowable expenses in a given year, with adjustments for changes in receivables, payables and inventory. These adjustments are made based on information you submit on the AgriStability harmonized form. Reference margin - your average program margin for three of the past five years (the lowest and highest margins are dropped from the calculation). Should your production margin fall below 85 per cent of your reference margin in a given year, you will receive a program payment. Forms are available by calling 1-866-367-8506.

The Canadian Farm Business Advisory Services are designed to assist existing and beginning farm businesses with financial planning.

The Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS) program will provide funding to beginning and established farmers and their spouses to develop a learning plan and take courses to help them gain the skills they need to reach their goals. CASS will assist farm families to acquire on-farm skills, or skills and training to pursue other income options, or both.

The Herd Health Program assists producers with the cost of veterinary services. For additional information contact your Agricultural Resource Coordinator or Quality Evaluation Division at 1-902-893-6530.

The Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission provides production insurance for many crops and some livestock operations.

Community Business Development Corporations are located throughout the province. They offer financial assistance in the form of grants, loan guarantees and equity financing, and business counselling and skills training. To find the CBDC closest to you call 1-888-303-2232 or visit the website.

Application for Refund of Provincial Tax on Gasoline, Propane or Diesel Fuel (requires farm registration). Copies of the application form can be obtained online from Service Nova Scotia or by contacting Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Refund Section, P.O. Box 1523, Halifax, NS B3J 2Y3, Phone: 902-424-0791 or Toll free: 1-800-787-0889