New Brunswick Agriculture, Aquaculture & Rural Business Credits Directory (2026)

New Brunswick offers a variety of tax credits, grants, and incentives to support the province's agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, and rural business sectors. Whether you operate a farm, food processing business, fisheries operation, or rural enterprise, these programs can help you lower your tax burden, invest in growth, and weather economic challenges. This directory covers the key NB agriculture and rural business credits, with links to official resources and claim guidance.

Directory: NB Agriculture & Rural Business Credits

Farm Investment Tax Credit — Non-refundable tax credit for eligible capital investments (machinery, equipment, buildings) made by New Brunswick farmers, including accelerated CCA for certain equipment.
Eligibility: Registered NB farms. Claimable on eligible purchases and improvements. Check details with NB Finance →
  • Eligibility: Must be a registered NB farm (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation) that invests in eligible depreciable property such as tractors, harvesters, new farm buildings, or improvements.
  • How to Claim: File the NB428 and NB479 schedules with your T2 corporate or T1 personal tax return. Report eligible investments for the tax year with proof of purchase (invoices, sales contracts).
  • Calculation Example: If a farm purchases $50,000 in eligible equipment, and the credit rate is 10%, the tax credit is $5,000.
  • Pro Tip: Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) may allow you to deduct more of the investment in the first year—see CRA CCA classes for eligible farm equipment.
Aquaculture & Fisheries Investment Credits — Non-refundable credits and grants for aquaculture, fisheries, and seafood processing investments.
Eligibility: NB-based businesses engaged in aquaculture/fisheries. Covers equipment, expansion, and innovation. See eligibility →
  • Eligibility: Incorporated or registered NB businesses involved in aquaculture or fisheries, investing in new equipment, facility upgrades, or productivity improvements.
  • How to Claim: Some programs offer tax credits (NB428/NB479), others are direct grants—apply through the NB Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.
  • Calculation Example: A seafood processor invests $100,000 in new cold storage and receives a 15% credit/grant, equaling $15,000 in support.
  • Pro Tip: Many aquaculture/fisheries programs require pre-approval. Check application deadlines and ensure you keep all invoices and permits related to the project.
Agri-Food Processing Support & Credits — Grants and credits for food processors, including upgrades for food safety, clean tech adoption, and export readiness.
Eligibility: Food manufacturers/processors in NB. Provincial and federal programs may be stacked. Explore options →
  • Eligibility: Registered food processors and agri-food manufacturers in New Brunswick investing in facility upgrades, equipment, or certifications (e.g., food safety, HACCP).
  • How to Claim: NB food processing grants are typically application-based; some tax credits are claimed on NB479. Submit detailed project proposals and proof of expenditure.
  • Calculation Example: A processor spends $40,000 on a new pasteurization system and secures a 20% grant = $8,000. If also eligible for a 10% tax credit, that's an additional $4,000 off tax.
  • Pro Tip: Grants may have approval requirements before spending. Check with NB Agriculture or Opportunities NB for current intake windows.
Rural Business & Community Enterprise Credits — Tax incentives and grants for rural business startups, expansion, and community economic development. Community Economic Development Investment Funds (CEDIF) offer tax credits for eligible investments in rural NB businesses.
Eligibility: Rural NB businesses, CEDIF investors. See CEDIF info →
  • Eligibility: Rural businesses registered in NB; investors participating in CEDIF programs supporting local businesses.
  • How to Claim: CEDIF tax credits are claimed by individuals on their NB personal tax return (NB428), and businesses must be pre-approved for participation. Grants for rural business often require applications and documentation of job creation or investment.
  • Calculation Example: An investor puts $10,000 in a CEDIF and claims a 30% individual tax credit = $3,000 credit on NB income tax.
  • Pro Tip: CEDIF credits are stackable with other NB and federal tax incentives, but check for investment holding period requirements.
Clean Technology & Environmental Farm Credits — Incentives for NB farms and agri-businesses adopting clean technology, renewable energy, or environmental best practices.
Eligibility: NB agricultural and agri-food operations. Can be combined with federal programs. Learn more →
  • Eligibility: NB farms and agri-businesses making eligible investments in solar, wind, biogas, water conservation, or pollution control technologies.
  • How to Claim: Tax credits may be claimed on NB428/NB479; grants require separate application to NB Agriculture or related agencies. Keep all receipts and environmental compliance documentation.
  • Calculation Example: Installing a $25,000 solar system with a 20% clean tech credit = $5,000 tax credit, plus potential federal clean tech incentives.
  • Pro Tip: Check for stacking limits—many programs allow combining NB and federal clean tech credits (e.g., Canada Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit).
CAP (Canadian Agricultural Partnership) Grants & Credits — Federal-provincial partnership offering direct grants and cost-sharing credits for NB farmers and agri-businesses, covering innovation, risk management, sustainability, and value-added processing.
Eligibility: NB agriculture, agri-food, and agri-tech businesses. Explore CAP →
  • Eligibility: NB registered agricultural producers, processors, and agri-food businesses. Programs may focus on environmental sustainability, productivity, or market development.
  • How to Claim: Apply online at NB CAP portal before project expenses. Submit proposal, budget, and business details. Grants are reimbursed after project completion and documentation.
  • Calculation Example: A NB farm invests $20,000 in a new irrigation system; CAP grant covers 50% = $10,000. The farm may also claim tax credits on the remaining $10,000 spent.
  • Pro Tip: Some CAP streams are competitive or have limited intake windows. Apply early and retain all supporting documents.
Property & Land Tax Rebates for Farms — Rebates or preferential tax treatment for eligible farm property and land in NB.
Eligibility: Registered farmland and farm buildings. See NB property tax rules →
  • Eligibility: NB farms assessed as "farm property" or "managed forest" may qualify for reduced property tax rates or rebates on municipal/provincial taxes.
  • How to Claim: Complete property classification forms with your municipality and Service NB. Rebates are applied directly to your property tax bill or refunded after assessment.
  • Calculation Example: A registered farm property receives a $1,500 property tax rebate based on land use and assessment.
  • Pro Tip: Ensure your property is classified correctly before the tax year—retroactive claims may be limited.
Tip: Most NB agriculture and rural business credits require filing provincial schedules (NB428, NB479, or specific program forms) with your T2 corporate return or personal tax return (for sole proprietors). Detailed records and, for some programs, pre-approval or registration may be required. Consult official program guidelines or a tax professional specializing in NB agriculture.

Stacking NB and Federal Agriculture Incentives

Many New Brunswick agriculture credits and grants can be combined ("stacked") with federal programs for maximum benefit. Common stacking scenarios include:

Example: A farm invests $100,000 in energy-efficient grain drying equipment. They receive a $20,000 CAP grant, claim a 10% NB tax credit ($8,000 on remaining $80,000), and a 20% federal clean tech credit ($16,000). Total net cost: $56,000 after all incentives.

FAQs: New Brunswick Farm & Agri-Business Credits

Can I claim a tax credit and a grant for the same investment?
Yes, but the grant or subsidy must be deducted from the eligible expenditure for the tax credit. You cannot "double-dip" on the same dollar of spending.
What documentation do I need?
Keep all invoices, proof of payment, funding agreements, approval letters, and photos or reports for capital investments. For property tax rebates, retain assessment notices and classification letters from Service NB.
Can sole proprietors claim NB farm credits?
Yes. Many NB farm credits and grants are available to both incorporated businesses and sole proprietors. File on your T1 with the NB428 schedule.
How do I apply for CAP grants?
Apply directly through the NB CAP portal. Most programs require pre-approval before incurring costs. After project completion, submit documentation for reimbursement.
Can I stack NB and federal credits?
Yes. Most NB credits can be stacked with federal programs such as the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, AgriInvest, or SR&ED. Always review stacking rules and subtract any grant from tax credit calculations.

Official Resources & Further Reading

Related & Supporting Programs