Support for innovative local food production

May 24, 2024

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Food producers looking to expand their product line or improve their processing can access funding from the 2024-25 Value-Adding Equipment Program.

Value-added refers to the addition of ingredients or processes to produce higher-valued food products or improve the way a food product is made. Funding will be available to agricultural food processing businesses doing value-added processing on-site.

The Value-Adding Equipment Program is designed to help build capacity, competitiveness and growth in the Nova Scotia agriculture sector by providing funding to adopt new and improved processes and technologies.

Now in its second year, the program is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Last year, the program helped 38 value-added food producers enhance their production.

Applications are open until June 30 and are available at: Value-adding Equipment Program - Government of Nova Scotia, Canada

Source : Canada.ca

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.