N.S. to give discount on local food subscription

A farmer works a field in Sheffield Mills in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley on Thursday, April 22, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

Nova Scotians will soon be able to get a discount on food grown by local farmers.

The Nova Scotia Loyal Community Supported Agriculture Incentive Pilot Program will give a 10 per cent discount on community-based agriculture subscriptions – also known as farm shares.

Community supported agriculture is a partnership between farmers and consumers. The subscriptions, which are an upfront investment, allow the consumer to receive regular shares of food from the farm over a set period of time. Items could include food like vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, or other products depending on the farm.

“Investing in programs like this one strengthens Nova Scotia’s agricultural economy by creating predictable revenue for farmers and keeping more dollars circulating locally,” said Minister of Agriculture Greg Morrow, in the announcement Thursday.

“When consumers commit to farm shares, they’re not just buying food – they’re supporting jobs, rural businesses and the long-term sustainability of our food system.”

There are currently 12 farms in the province that offer these subscriptions. The farms offering the discount will be reimbursed by Nova Scotia Loyal.

Farmers can apply for the program now, and the government says customers will see the discount in the 2026 farm share season.

“Community supported agriculture programs are another powerful way for Nova Scotians to support local. They are more than a subscription box – they’re a direct investment in our farming families and rural communities. Every CSA box connects our farms directly to households and helps to keep local food at the heart of our province,” said Alicia King, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.

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