Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Limestone Trucking Assistance Program is an agricultural support initiative designed to improve soil health and farm productivity by subsidizing the transportation of limestone. It helps farmers and agricultural organizations reduce costs associated with moving limestone to farmland, supporting soil acidity management and improved crop yields.
Programme Objective
The main objective of the program is to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability by:
- Improving soil pH balance through limestone application
- Reducing transportation costs for limestone delivery
- Increasing agricultural productivity and farm efficiency
- Supporting the growth of Nova Scotia’s agricultural and agri-food sector
- Promoting inclusive participation in agriculture
- Supporting underrepresented and underserved communities in farming
Inclusion and Equity Focus
The program actively promotes participation from diverse and equity-seeking groups, including:
- Women in agriculture
- Persons with disabilities
- Black and African Nova Scotians
- Mi’kmaq and Indigenous communities
- 2SLGBTQI+ individuals
- Racialized communities
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered farms under the Farm Registration Act
- Active farming operations during the program year
- Mi’kmaq individuals engaged in farming within Mi’kmaw communities
- Agricultural industry associations, including Community Pastures
Additional eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 19 years old
- Farms must be actively operating during the application period
- Associations must be not-for-profit and represent Nova Scotia agriculture or agri-food sectors
Funding Details
- Coverage: Up to 80% of eligible transportation costs
- Maximum funding: CAD 32,000 per applicant
- Funding type: Cost reimbursement for limestone transportation
Eligible and Ineligible Costs
Eligible costs:
- Transportation and hauling of dolomitic limestone
- Transportation and hauling of calcitic limestone
Ineligible costs:
- Purchase cost of limestone itself
- Administrative overhead expenses
- Operating costs of farm or organization
- Staff wages
- Small tools and equipment
- Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
Technical Requirements
Applicants must provide supporting documentation to justify limestone application, including:
- Soil analysis laboratory report, or
- Nutrient Management Plan
Additional requirements for associations:
- Nutrient Management Plan or soil analysis completed within the last three years
- Proof of not-for-profit status (if applicable)
Why This Program Matters
This program supports soil health improvement, which is essential for sustainable agriculture and higher productivity. By reducing transportation costs, it encourages greater adoption of soil conditioning practices. It also promotes inclusive participation in agriculture, ensuring that underserved communities have better access to agricultural support programs.
Key Expected Outcomes
The program aims to achieve:
- Improved soil fertility and reduced acidity in farmland
- Lower transportation costs for farmers
- Increased agricultural productivity and efficiency
- Greater participation of equity-deserving groups in agriculture
- Stronger and more sustainable agri-food sector in Nova Scotia
Conclusion
The Limestone Trucking Assistance Program provides targeted financial support to improve soil health and agricultural productivity in Nova Scotia. By subsidizing limestone transportation costs and prioritizing inclusive participation, it strengthens farm sustainability, enhances production efficiency, and supports long-term agricultural development.
For more information, visit Nova Scotia.