Bill 295: Supporting Local Food Act

This bill primarily affects Nova Scotia farmers, fishers, food processors, food hub operators, and food and beverage businesses of all sizes. A small family farm or mid-sized seafood processor in Nova Scotia could see new opportunities to supply hospitals, schools, and long-term care homes through minimum local procurement targets. Businesses involved in slaughtering, milling, cold storage, packaging, or other food processing infrastructure are directly named as priorities for gap-filling investment. Community food organizations and food banks are also recognized stakeholders, and the strategy is expected to shape government funding and incentive programs that touch day-to-day operations like food-safety certification, traceability requirements, and compliance costs.