$5,000 Grants Open for Colorado Farms, Ranches, Ag Businesses to Hire Interns in 2027

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is now accepting grant applications from Colorado farms, ranches, and other agricultural businesses hiring interns for the 2027 growing season. Through the Agricultural Workforce Development Program (AWDP), ag businesses may be reimbursed for up to 50 percent of the cost to employ an intern, up to $5,000 maximum, in exchange for providing a hands-on, educational experience needed to begin a career in agriculture.

These grants help businesses with the cost of wages, workers' compensation insurance, and other incidental internship costs.

"The need for quality, hands-on training opportunities for our next generation has never been greater," said Amanda Laban, Markets Division Director. "Supporting our ag businesses while at the same time developing skilled ag workers squarely hits the mark for preparing our future ag workforce."

Since the program's creation in 2018, the AWDP has granted more than $1.25M to support over 280 internships across the state. The program is also a key strategy to advancing the "People and Community" direction of CDA's strategic plan.

Any business of an agricultural nature operating in Colorado is eligible to apply. Preference is given to businesses engaged in the production of agricultural crops, livestock, dairy, timber, or greenhouse and nursery products.

Applications are due Monday, November 2, 2026 by 5 pm MT. Interested businesses must fill out an online application through the program website at ag.colorado.gov/awdp. Applications will be evaluated by a team of reviewers, and applicants will be notified whether they have been awarded a grant in mid-December.

To answer questions about the program, walk through the online application, and explain the review process, CDA will hold an informational webinar on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 11:00 am MT. Those interested in attending live can register via Zoom. A recording of the webinar will be posted on the program website.

The AWDP helps CDA advance its strategic actions from the agency's Strategic Plan, under its "People and Community" direction. Specifically, CDA's objective is to broaden internship and educational opportunities for aspiring farmers and ranchers, along with other emerging leaders in the agricultural sector. By offering grants to agricultural businesses that hire interns, the AWDP provides practical training and professional advancement for future agricultural professionals.