Nova Scotia Agriculture

Welcome to Nova Scotia, a land of fertile fields, abundant harvests, and an agriculture industry that serves as the backbone of our rural communities. Our province boasts a rich diversity of crops and animal production that offers diverse opportunities for newcomers to Nova Scotia.  

Nova Scotia’s agricultural landscape is as diverse as it is picturesque. From lush vineyards producing award-winning wines to bountiful orchards and fields yielding a variety of fruits such as apples, blueberries, and cranberries, to livestock and poultry farms nestled in the valleys.  

The temperate maritime climate, with its mild winters and moderate summers, provides an ideal environment for growing everything from hearty grains and vegetables to specialty crops like lavender and herbs. 

In the face of climate change, our farmers are embracing innovative techniques and technologies to mitigate the effects of changing weather patterns, such as implementing sustainable farming practices, adopting precision agriculture methods, and exploring new crop varieties that are resilient to environmental stresses. 

What truly sets Nova Scotia apart is our collaborative and supportive agricultural community. Farmers here benefit from a network of industry associations, research institutions, and government agencies that work together to provide resources, expertise, and funding opportunities.  

Whether you’re a seasoned farmer looking to expand your operations or a newcomer with a passion for sustainable agriculture, Nova Scotia offers a welcoming environment where collaboration and knowledge-sharing are valued. 

Discover the possibilities that await you in a province where farming isn’t just a livelihood—it’s a way of life. 

The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture has been the voice of Nova Scotia farmers since 1895. Representing the interests of over 90% of all primary agricultural production across the province. 

The NSFA supports farm families and businesses through lobby and advocacy efforts and the delivery of programs and services. The NSFA works in the best interest of our members. Visit the link below to learn more about our work

Nova Scotia Farm Discovery is a navigational tool designed to help you quickly find the resources you need. Aimed at those in the early stages of their farming career (5 years or less), it is also a valuable tool for those who are new to the province.  

With a large number of topics available – Business Planning, Marketing, Regulations, etc – you can choose the specific areas that you would like to explore information on. After submitting your selection, you will be given a comprehensive list of links to various resources in the province.  

The government of Nova Scotia releases various funding programs each year through several departments, including Agriculture. These programs offer funding support for a variety of initiatives, from environmental stewardship and emergency preparedness to commodity-specific programs (Grape, Wild Blueberry).

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation is a provincial development agency. They offer programs and specialist services that support growth, transformation and economic development in Nova Scotia’s agriculture sector, as well as seafood, and food and beverage. 

Nova Scotia’s Commodity Organizations represent farms on a commodity level. You can find information on some of these organizations spanning Nova Scotia’s diverse commodities below.  

Agri-Commodity Management Association:
The Agri-Commodity Management Association (ACMA) represents Pork Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Cattle Producers, and Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia. These three commodity groups work with ACMA to reduce administrative overhead, reduce and eliminate duplicate functions, and form synergies by sharing information; all groups remain autonomous, however. 

Chicken Farmers of NS:
Chicken Farmers of Nova Scotia (CFNS) is a farmer-run non-profit organization that represents over 80 registered producers from across the province. CFNS has two main responsibilities: to produce the amount of chicken required by Nova Scotia’s chicken processors and to negotiate prices to be paid to all Nova Scotia chicken farmers by the province’s processors. CFNS’s authority to regulate the amount of chicken grown and to negotiate prices is derived from provincial legislation called the Natural Products Act. 

Dairy Farmers of NS:
Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia (DFNS) provides regulatory and administrative services to the province’s dairy producers. It does so through a producer-funded and elected board.  
DFNS licenses producers and milk transporters, sets the farm price for milk, and administers the production quota system.  

Egg Farmers of NS:
Egg Farmers of Nova Scotia (EFNS) is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide effective promotion, control, and regulation of the marketing of eggs and pullets in Nova Scotia. EFNS represents the province’s 21 registered egg farmers. EFNS is supervised by the Nova Scotia Natural Products Marketing Council, a provincial government agency charged with overseeing agricultural marketing boards and commissions in Nova Scotia. 

Grape Growers Association of NS:
Grape Growers Association of Nova Scotia (GGANS) is a not-for-profit organization with over 100 members. GGANS is committed to the advancement of the production of quality grapes in Nova Scotia by being an advocate of education, research, and leading-edge business practices by building strong bonds and alliances with strategic partners. 

Horticulture NS:
Horticulture Nova Scotia (HNS) represents the interests of Nova Scotia commercial vegetable, strawberry, raspberry, bramble, highbush blueberry, and nursery stock producers associated with those crops. It is a member-driven, non-profit, non-unionized agricultural commodity group with four categories of membership: Growers, Agri-business, Associate Group, and Associate Individual.

NS Fruit Growers Association:
Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association (NSFGA) is a member-driven, non-profit agricultural commodity association representing the interests of tree fruit growers in Nova Scotia. Their mission is to assist its members to be successful, by fostering the growth and development of a viable and sustainable Nova Scotia tree fruit industry. There are two types of NSFGA membership: Grower Members and Associate Members.