Annual Ag Leadership Grants Open for 2026

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 round of the NextGen Ag Leadership Grants, which provide up to $25,000 per project to support leadership development opportunities for Colorado's emerging food and agriculture leaders.

"By supporting the development of emerging leaders, we are investing in Colorado's future with an eye towards collaboration and innovation to create a more resilient agricultural system," said Michele Meyer, Senior Program Manager of CDA's Markets Division. "Through CDA's NextGen Ag Leadership grants, organizations can get funding to provide leadership skill development. These leadership programs give the next generation of agriculturalists the skills to join the state's long heritage of agriculture and ensure its future."

Organizations and educational institutions serving Colorado's emerging food and agriculture leaders are eligible to apply for grant funding, which will not be awarded to individuals. Applications should be for projects that support Coloradans' careers in food and agriculture and prepare them to become industry leaders. Targeted projects with smaller budgets ($5,000 - $10,000) are encouraged.

Applications must address one or more program priority areas:

1. Develop individual leadership or entrepreneurial skills;
2. Enhance organizational leadership and capacity building; and
3. Create educational or training opportunities.

Preference will be given to applications that address the first priority area.

To answer questions about the program, application, and review process, CDA will hold an informational webinar on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 1 pm MDT. Anyone interested in learning more can register via Zoom.

Applications will be accepted through the online application form until 5 pm MDT on Friday, April 24, 2026.

More information about the program can be found at ag.colorado.gov/nextgen. If you have additional questions, please reach out to [email protected].