Farm Registration
Becoming a Member
To become a member of the NSFA, you’ll need to “Check the Box” on Section 6 of your farm registration form – there is no additional cost above your farm registration fee. If you haven’t received a farm registration form or you didn’t “Check the Box” when you submitted it – it’s not too late – contact the Farm Registrar’s Office at (902)893-6377.
We hope you’ll become a member of the NSFA, if you’re not already, and get involved in our organization! We have a number of active committees for both policy and programs, along with training and workshop opportunities – whatever fits your goals!
Farm Registration Renewals
Farm Registration is renewed annually on April 1st. If you have previously registered your farm, you should receive registration renewal documents from the Department of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
You will need to update any information and complete the remaining sections.
What are the benefits of registering my farm?
- Access to farm assistance programs (Canadian Agricultural Partnership)
- Access to veterinary services and herd health
- No tax on marked diesel fuel
- Farm Plates
2024 Registration Forms
Farm Registration Renewal forms are available here along with information on how to submit online, in-person or by mail.
Fee Structure
Farm Registration Fees
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture has been successful in our request for updates to Farm Registration for the period of 2024 to 2029. You will see the gross farm income categories and associated fees shift slightly from the 2018 to 2023 period.
Gross Farm Receipts | New fee | Old fee |
< $29,999 | $205 | $175 |
$30,000 – $99,999 | $325 | $400 |
$100,000 – $249,999 | $500 | $600 |
$250,000 – $499,999 | $675 | $600 |
$500,000 – $749,999 | $850 | $800 |
$750,000 – $999,999 | $1,030 | $800 |
$1,000,000 – $2,499,999 | $1,205 | $975 |
$2,500,000 or more | $1,380 | $975 |
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture will be providing more information on Farm Registration in the coming weeks, including a new refund policy for Small Farm New Entrant producers that has been developed and will be delivered by the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.
The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Access Nova Scotia are working to get Farm Registration renewals out as quickly as possible, but they will be slightly delayed this year as changes to farm registration took place.
If you have any questions on Farm Registration, please contact our office at: 902-893-2293 or call the Farm Registration office at: 902-893-6377 or 1-866-844-4276.
New Entrant Refund Policy
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA) New Entrant Refund Policy is to provide financial support to new entrant farm businesses with a gross farm income of less than $30,000 and to encourage new farm businesses to become registered farms in Nova Scotia and to become a member of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.
Eligibility for “Small Farm New Entrant Registration Refund” includes:
a) Those Registered Farms who support the objects of the Federation, as outlined in the Federations of Agriculture Act, and
b) Those Registered Farm businesses (sole proprietors, partnerships, limited companies, incorporated businesses, etc.) and/or individuals, who have not previously registered any farm business in the past five (5) years, and
c) Those who pay an annual fee to the Federation that fall into the income category of less than (<) $30,000 gross farm income as prescribed in the Farm Registration System.
Farm Registration – Frequently Asked Questions
What does my registration pay for?
Registration fees provide funding for the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA). Following a change in the Farm Registration Act, refunds of fees are no longer an option. All registration fees will remain with the NSFA.
Do I receive any documentation as a result of registering?
A wallet size farm registration card is sent to the client once the application is processed.
How long does it take to get registration documentation?
Approximately six weeks, keeping in mind there are periods in which there is an influx of applications so some delays may occur. If you experience a delay longer than six weeks please contact Farm Registrar at 893-6510.
What do I do if I have changes to my business information?
Changes to the business name, address, partners, should be reported to Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations at 1-800-670-4357.
I purchased an existing farm which has been registered, what do I do?
Since farm ownership has changed you will have to submit a new application for registration, and a new farm registration card will be issued.
Where can I get more information on farm assistance programs?
By visiting www.gov.ns.ca/agri/prm or by calling Programs and Business Risk Management at 1-902-893-6510.