Soil and Water Sustainability Program (Canada)

Deadline: 15-Oct-21

Government of Nova Scotia is inviting applications from eligible applicants for its Soil and Water Sustainability Program that helps farmers to mitigate on-farm environmental risk for soil and water as identified in their individual Environmental Farm Plans that accelerate environmental farm stewardship in Nova Scotia.

Program Objectives

Canada and Nova Scotia recognize that agriculture relies on healthy soil, water, and biodiversity profiles for its long-term sustainable productivity. They also value the important role the industry plays in sustaining and replenishing our natural environment. This program assists farmers to mitigate on-farm environmental risk for soil and water as identified in their individual Environmental Farm Plans that accelerate environmental farm stewardship in Nova Scotia.

STREAM 1
- Sustainable Agriculture Water Supply – The objectives of the Sustainable Agriculture Water Supply section include:
  - improving the efficiency and quality of on-farm water
  - decreasing risk of contamination to ground and surface water
- Improved Water Practices And Efficiencies – The objectives of the Improved Water Practices and Efficiencies section include:
  - improving the efficiency and quality of on-farm water
  - decreasing risk of contamination to ground and surface water
STREAM 2
Water Well Management – The objectives of the Water Well Management section include:
- reducing the risk of groundwater contamination
- preventing surface water from contaminating aquifers
- preventing cross-contamination between aquifers
Fuel And Chemical Storage – The objectives of the Fuel and Chemical Storage section include:
- decreasing the risks of contamination to nearby soil and water
Improved Manure Storage, Composting And Handling – The objectives of the Improved Manure Storage, Composting and Handling section include:
- improving protection of ground and surface water
- allowing for proper storage of nutrients for land application
- decreasing runoff from handling manure

Funding Information

STREAM 1: Applicants can apply for a maximum of 60% assistance for the activities listed to a maximum of $10,000 per year.
STREAM 2: Applicants can apply for a maximum of 25% assistance to the lessor of 10% of their gross commodity income, or $15,000 for the activities listed per year. For example, a farm with gross apple sales of $120,000 would be eligible for a maximum of $12,000 per year.

Eligibility Criteria

Farm:
- currently and properly registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act;
- applicant is at least 19 years of age and actively farming in the program year;
- generates an annual eligible gross commodity income of $30,000. The eligible commodity income will be based on the Statement of Farming Activities (T2042, T1273 or Schedule 125 – Farm Revenue: detailing sales by commodity revenue code); and
- livestock producers must have a Premise ID.
Additional Requirements:
- completed and current (within five years) Environmental Farm Plan (EFP);
- Schedule A and Schedule B of the Environmental Farm Plan (any project applied for must be listed on these);
- Parcel Identification Number (PID) for your project location.