Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The EDIA Organizational Capacity Building Program aims to strengthen participation in Nova Scotia’s agriculture and agri-food sectors by supporting equitable access for underrepresented groups.
It focuses on:
- Reducing systemic barriers in agriculture
- Expanding access to training and resources
- Strengthening agricultural sector capacity
- Supporting inclusive business development
- Improving representation in farming and food systems
The programme is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership in Nova Scotia.
Key Priority Groups
The programme prioritises support for:
- Women
- Persons with disabilities
- Black and African Nova Scotians
- Mi’kmaq and Indigenous peoples
- 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
- Racialized individuals
Funding Details
Eligible applicants may receive:
- Up to 100% of eligible project expenses
- Up to $40,000 per program year
- Up to $20,000 for consultant services
Eligible Costs Include:
- Workshops and training sessions
- Conferences and networking events
- Marketing and outreach initiatives
- Research projects
- Agricultural supplies and equipment
- Capacity-building programs
- Inclusion-focused initiatives
Ineligible Costs Include:
- Buildings and infrastructure
- Vehicles
- General operating costs
- Software licensing fees
- Entertainment expenses
- Recoverable HST
Eligible Applicants
Applications are open to:
- Agricultural industry associations
- Non-profit organisations supporting underserved communities
- Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions
Applicants must demonstrate a focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within agriculture or agri-food sectors.
Key Objectives
The programme supports projects that:
- Improve access to agriculture opportunities
- Increase representation in farming and food systems
- Provide training and skills development
- Strengthen networking opportunities
- Address systemic exclusion in agriculture
- Support inclusive agricultural business development
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Identify barriers faced by underserved groups in agriculture
- Design inclusion-focused capacity-building activities
- Prepare a detailed budget and project plan
- Demonstrate expected community and sector impact
- Submit an application under the programme guidelines
Strong applications typically show:
- Clear inclusion outcomes
- Strong community engagement
- Practical training or capacity-building activities
- Measurable impact on participation in agriculture
Tips for Applicants
To improve your application:
- Focus on measurable equity and inclusion outcomes
- Engage target communities in project design
- Include training and skills development components
- Demonstrate long-term sector impact
- Show partnerships with agricultural stakeholders
Avoid proposals that lack clear inclusion objectives or measurable outcomes.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Agricultural industry associations, non-profits, and Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions can apply.
How much funding is available?
Up to $40,000 per program year, with 100% of eligible costs covered.
What groups are prioritised?
Women, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities are prioritised.
What types of projects are supported?
Training, research, workshops, agricultural capacity building, and inclusion-focused initiatives are supported.
Are equipment purchases allowed?
Yes, agricultural supplies and equipment are eligible, but buildings and vehicles are not.
Conclusion
The EDIA Organizational Capacity Building Program in Nova Scotia strengthens inclusion and equity in the agriculture sector by funding projects that support underrepresented communities. Through targeted capacity-building and access initiatives, the programme aims to create a more diverse, accessible, and equitable agricultural system.
For more information, visit Nova Scotia.