Farmers can access a share of the fund to improve on-farm fuel efficiencies.

The Clean Fuels Fund will enable producers to adopt cleaner energy sources for various uses, including heating.

The environment is taking on an increasing level of importance in Canadian business, including agriculture. These days, there’s more to offering a service or, in the case of farmers, planting and harvesting a crop. Now, businesses must also ensure they incorporate practices that reduce carbon footprints, protect water and air against pollution and show a greater overall accountability for the environment.

The Province of Nova Scotia announced late in August that it was opening another intake on its Clean Fuels Fund (CCF) initiative. The program is open to any businesses based in the province making farmers eligible, as well. The fund is encouraging the adoption of cleaner energy sources used for heating, transportation and industrial processes, with a cost-share incentive of up to $1.0 million per project, with a total program budget of $3.0 million.

The intake is now open and closes Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

Green is good

This is important for producers because of the opportunity to help move businesses in Nova Scotia to a clean economy. The Clean Fuels Fund was launched in 2023-2024 to drive the production and adoption of hydrogen, renewable natural gas, biofuels and clean wood energy options. Ideally, the shift would reduce gasoline and diesel used in vehicles, heating oil and propane used to heat homes and businesses, reducing the province’s second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. The Fund would also promote reduced pressure on the electrical grid, create jobs and contribute to the development of a greener economy in Nova Scotia.

Farmers in the province could qualify for a 75 per cent cost-share for eligible project costs up to $500,000. Those worth more than $500,000 are eligible for up to 50 per cent of eligible costs. Projects may also be supported or supplemented by “stacked” federal or provincial funding.

Eligibility for the Clean Fuels Fund applies to four distinct fuel types: biofuels, green hydrogen, renewable natural gas and clean wood energy from forestry waste products or sustainable biomass. Eligible projects could include studies supporting the adoption of clean fuels, the implementation of clean fuels in existing facilities and operations, and new infrastructure to facilitate the adoption of clean fuels.

• Application forms contain seven sections required for the Clean Fuels Fund:
  Organizational information
  A description of the project
  Outcomes, environmental, economic and social benefits
  A plan for information sharing
  A project plan
  A detailed project budget and funding information, and
  Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility framework

Don’t wait
The application process is quite extensive, with a list of ineligible costs, criteria for assessment and many other details pertaining to Nova Scotia’s Clean Fuels Fund. Farmers interested in more information on this program can contact staff at Elite Agri Solutions for help in navigating through the CFF’s eligibility criteria. Call 519–953–4479.