Province Invests in Agriculture Equipment for Cape Breton Farmers

CANADA, August 12 - Farmers in Cape Breton will soon have better access to the tools that keep their fields productive, their businesses growing and more local food moving from farm to table.

The Province is investing a total of $620,000 through the Community Economic Development Fund to the Cape Breton-Richmond Federation of Agriculture and the Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture to update and expand their equipment rental programs.

“Farmers are essential to our rural economy, our communities and our food supply,” said Premier Tim Houston. “These investments will put modern equipment within reach for more producers in Richmond, Inverness and Victoria counties, helping them reduce costs, work more efficiently and continue growing strong local businesses across the region.”

The provincial support includes:

the Cape Breton-Richmond Federation of Agriculture is receiving $330,000 for a new baler, rock picker, lime and fertilizer spreading equipment, tillage equipment, drills and various forage equipment
the Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture is receiving $290,000 for cattle-handling, forage, tillage and manure management equipment, as well as a new software system to better manage equipment rentals.

The Community Economic Development Fund supports community-based projects that help sectors and communities become more competitive and create broad benefits for regions and industries. The fund supports projects in areas such as rural development, buy local initiatives, food security, workforce development, investment attraction, tourism and entrepreneurship.

Quotes:

“The strength of Cape Breton’s agricultural sector lies in the dedication and innovation of the people and businesses driving it forward. By investing in projects that enhance productivity, strengthen local supply chains, and support sustainable growth, we are helping ensure the sector continues to thrive. These investments will create lasting benefits for rural communities, contribute to regional economic development, and help build a more resilient economy across Atlantic Canada.”
— Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“This funding, provided by both the federal and provincial governments, will go a long way in helping the many farmers within the Cape Breton-Richmond Federation of Agriculture. It has given us the opportunity to purchase new equipment that will benefit all members, both in small and significant ways, as they continue to expand their growing capabilities. It will also create opportunities for new and aspiring farmers by giving them access to equipment they may not otherwise be able to afford in the early stages of starting their operations. This helps reduce one of the biggest barriers to entering agriculture while encouraging the next generation of farmers. The rental program will also help the federation sustain and maintain this equipment, ensuring it remains available to support members for years to come.”
— Kathy MacIntyre, President, Cape Breton-Richmond Federation of Agriculture

“The Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture would like to acknowledge the significant financial contribution by the Province of Nova Scotia Community Economic Development Fund to allow us to purchase many new pieces of rental equipment and modernize the rental process by setting up an electronic rental app. The machinery rental program has been providing rental equipment for many years, and as the cost of owning these pieces of machinery has increased, the rental program has become more important to local farmers. We had over 50 farms using rental machines last year and expect that to increase this year. When our members can rent a machine from the Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture, they can keep their capital expenses down and allow for growth and profit.”
— Rodney Beaton, board member, Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture

Quick Facts:

the Cape Breton-Richmond Federation of Agriculture’s total project cost is $533,300 with $149,976 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); the federation is contributing the remaining $53,324
the Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture’s total project cost is $600,000 with $150,000 from ACOA and $8,000 from the Municipality of the County of Inverness; the federation is contributing the remaining $152,000
the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board helped bridge the timing of the provincial and federal funding, allowing the equipment to be on-site in time for 2026 field work
the Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture is a volunteer organization that represents about 80 farms in Inverness and Victoria counties
other Community Economic Development Fund projects announced include support for the Pictou-North Colchester Exhibition grounds

Additional Resources:

Community Economic Development Fund: https://www.novascotia.ca/apply-project-funding-community-economic-development-fund

Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board: https://nsfarmloan.ca/

News release – Province Investing in Pictou–North Colchester Exhibition Grounds: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2026/07/10/province-investing-pictou-north-colchester-exhibition-grounds

Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.

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