05/25/2026
The Nova Scotia Loyal Farmers' Market Voucher Program has returned for 2026, distributing approximately 215,500 vouchers worth $10 each to students and newcomers. The initiative aims to connect residents with locally grown and crafted products while boosting traffic and sales for regional farmers, producers, and small businesses.
Distribution begins this month for public, home-school, and Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey students from pre-primary to Grade 12. Post-secondary students will receive their vouchers in the fall, while the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) and YREACH will distribute them to newcomers throughout the year.
Growth and Development Minister Colton LeBlanc highlighted that the program strengthens communities by making it easier for residents to experience local markets first-hand. All vouchers are valid until December 31, 2026, and can be redeemed at participating Farmers' Markets of Nova Scotia locations.
"We love seeing the energy that students bring to our markets every spring! By sharing the Nova Scotia Loyal voucher program with the next generation of shoppers, we're helping them discover the joys of eating locally, build habits that last a lifetime and deepen their connections in community. Our member markets are proud to be a part of this program; supporting our local vendors while making sure every student feels at home at their neighborhood farmers' market."
— Alison Lynes, Executive Director, Farmers' Markets of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
- last year, 29 per cent of redeemed vouchers were from a first-time visitor to a farmers' market, with those visits resulting in $787,730 in purchases from local producers
- more than 2,000 businesses have joined the Nova Scotia Loyal movement, and that number is growing
- more than 1,300 new member businesses joined the program in the 2025-26 fiscal year
- 152 businesses have participated in the Nova Scotia Loyal producer labelling pilot program
- 40 businesses have participated in the Nova Scotia Loyal food safety pilot program to enter new markets
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia Loyal: https://nsloyal.ca
Participating farmers' markets: https://farmersmarketsnovascotia.ca/nsl/