Nova Scotia Launches $2.3-Million Beef Development Program to Support Local Producers
Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow announced the $2.3-million Nova Scotia Beef Development Program on November 5, offering beef producers up to $250,000 per project to invest in cattle and infrastructure. Administered by Perennia, applications are open until December 11.
On November 5, Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow announced the launch of the Nova Scotia Beef Development Program at South River Ranch in St. Andrews, Antigonish County. The new program provides $2.3 million in funding to help beef producers invest in cattle, farm infrastructure, and other improvements aimed at increasing herd size and production. 
Under the program, producers can receive up to 25 per cent of eligible project costs, with a maximum contribution of $250,000 per project. Perennia is administering the initiative, and applications remain open until December 11, subject to a competitive review process.
The Beef Development Program is part of the broader Nova Scotia Beef Initiative, which includes additional programs focused on herd health, feed optimization, community pastures, and abattoir equipment. Total investments under the initiative have exceeded $5.2 million to date.
In the 2025-26 period, there were 370 licensed beef producers operating in Nova Scotia. In 2025, the province had 10 provincially licensed abattoirs that processed 4,458 cattle, with the value of Nova Scotia beef estimated at approximately $48 million for the year. 