Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Speaker Series Assistance Program supports Nova Scotia agricultural industry associations by funding expert-led events, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities. It aims to improve agricultural skills, sustainability, competitiveness, and adoption of best management practices (BMPs) through industry education and awareness initiatives.

Eligible non-profit agricultural associations can receive up to $5,000 to host speaker-based events within Nova Scotia that strengthen industry knowledge and promote innovation in the agri-food sector.

Overview of the Speaker Series Assistance Program

The Speaker Series Assistance Program is a targeted funding initiative supporting the Nova Scotia agricultural and agri-food sector.

It enables industry associations to host speaker-led educational events that improve:

• Skills development in agriculture
• Industry awareness and knowledge transfer
• Sustainability and environmental best practices
• Agricultural profitability and competitiveness
• Market diversification and innovation
• Career awareness in agriculture

The program strengthens the agricultural ecosystem by connecting producers with subject matter experts, researchers, and industry leaders.

Key Objectives and Focus Areas

The program is designed to advance long-term agricultural development in Nova Scotia.

Core Focus Areas

• Agricultural skills development and training
• Awareness of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs)
• Adoption of sustainable farming practices
• Strengthening agricultural competitiveness
• Supporting research-to-practice knowledge transfer
• Enhancing market diversification and expansion
• Promoting agricultural careers and workforce development
• Encouraging innovation and industry learning

Strategic Outcomes

• Improved productivity in agriculture
• Stronger adoption of research-based practices
• Increased sustainability and environmental responsibility
• Enhanced access to expert knowledge for producers
• Stronger agricultural industry networks

Funding Details

• Maximum funding: up to $5,000 per application
• Funding coverage: up to 100% of eligible costs
• Funding type: Non-repayable grant support
• Geographic scope: Nova Scotia only
• Event types supported:
  • Workshops
  • Industry conferences
  • Annual general meetings (AGMs)
  • Educational seminars

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be:

• Agricultural industry associations
• Non-profit organizations
• Groups representing Nova Scotia agriculture or agri-food products

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations must:

• Be formally recognized as not-for-profit
• Represent identifiable agricultural or agri-food sectors in Nova Scotia
• Demonstrate relevance to the province’s agricultural industry

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Eligible Activities and Use of Funds

Funding can be used for:

• Speaker honorariums and expert fees
• Industry knowledge-sharing events
• Educational workshops and seminars
• Agricultural conferences and producer meetings
• Awareness and communication sessions
• Expert-led training on BMPs and sustainability
• Events supporting innovation and agricultural development

Ineligible Expenses

The program does NOT fund:

• Travel-related costs
• Administrative overhead
• Operational expenses
• Salaries and wages of existing staff
• Meals and entertainment
• In-kind contributions
• HST (taxes)

Application Process: How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Required Information

Applicants must prepare:

• Event description (purpose, speakers, audience)
• Detailed budget breakdown
• Expected outcomes and benefits to agriculture sector

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure the organization:

• Is a non-profit agricultural association
• Operates within Nova Scotia agriculture sector
• Plans an eligible speaker-based event

Step 3: Submit Application

• Submit application form
• Include budget table of expenses
• Provide event details and justification

Step 4: Review and Approval

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Alignment with program goals
• Relevance to agricultural development
• Budget accuracy and eligibility

Why This Program Matters

The Speaker Series Assistance Program plays a key role in strengthening Nova Scotia agriculture by:

• Bridging the gap between research and farming practice
• Increasing access to expert agricultural knowledge
• Promoting sustainable and climate-smart agriculture
• Supporting innovation and competitiveness
• Enhancing farmer education and training
• Encouraging long-term sector growth

It ensures that agricultural producers and organizations can access high-quality expert guidance without financial barriers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Including ineligible expenses (travel, salaries, meals)
• Submitting incomplete budget tables
• Applying without clear speaker-based programming
• Failing to demonstrate non-profit status
• Proposing events outside Nova Scotia
• Overlooking alignment with BMP or sustainability goals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

The program provides up to $5,000 per application, covering up to 100% of eligible expenses.

2. Who can apply for this program?

Only non-profit agricultural industry associations operating in Nova Scotia are eligible.

3. What types of events are supported?

Supported events include workshops, AGMs, conferences, and speaker-led educational sessions.

4. Can travel or salary costs be funded?

No. Travel, salaries, overhead, and meals are not eligible expenses.

5. Where must the events take place?

All funded activities must take place within Nova Scotia.

6. What is the main goal of the program?

To improve agricultural skills, sustainability, and knowledge transfer through expert-led learning.

7. Do I need to submit a budget?

Yes. A detailed budget table is mandatory for all applications.

Conclusion

The Speaker Series Assistance Program is a focused funding initiative that strengthens Nova Scotia’s agricultural sector through expert-led education and industry engagement.

By supporting speaker-based workshops and conferences, the program enhances skills, promotes sustainable agriculture, and improves competitiveness across the agri-food sector.

It serves as a critical tool for knowledge transfer, ensuring agricultural associations can deliver high-quality learning opportunities that benefit producers, communities, and the broader rural economy.

For more information, visit Nova Scotia.