Our Impact
500+ INVESTORS ACROSS
NOVA SCOTIA
OVER $9 MILLION LOANED
TO 148 CLIENTS
Healthy Farms, Healthy Food
FarmWorks promotes and provides strategic and responsible community investment in food production and distribution in order to increase access to a sustainable local food supply for all Nova Scotians. There is significant potential for agriculture and food production to benefit health, the economy, community and the environment.
FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited was incorporated as a for-profit Co-operative on May 18, 2011 by community leaders concerned about social, economic and cultural needs. FarmWorks lends Shareholder funds to qualifying food related businesses across Nova Scotia. FarmWorks investors are making a significant difference in the year-round availability of food from field to fork for Nova Scotians.
As of January 15, 2024 FarmWorks has loaned the cumulative amount of $9,400,000 M in subordinated debt financing to 148 Nova Scotian businesses to assist them to grow, process, deliver and serve healthy local foods and beverages. FarmWorks clients are outstanding citizens who contribute significantly to the life and economy of Nova Scotia.
Over 500 Nova Scotians have purchased $5,209,300 of shares in Twelve offers of FarmWorks’ Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF) that has provided these investors with Provincial tax credits and RRSP deferrals for five year commitments.
Share capital is loaned to a diversified portfolio of Nova Scotian businesses starting up or expanding: farmers, processors, restaurants and cafés, stores and farm markets, seed growers, distributors, brewers and cider makers and other enterprises helping to increase the viability and sustainability of agriculture and the security of a healthy food supply.
Directors carry out due diligence on applicants and provide mentoring and support and encouragement to clients. FarmWorks creates meaningful partnerships with investors and loan recipients, and collaborates with government and other organizations and businesses and lenders that contribute to the growth of food-related enterprises. Guidelines for measuring and reporting outcomes are in place for supported businesses .