Colorado agricultural program offers grants for farm internships

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2027 growing season through its Agricultural Workforce Development Program. The initiative provides grants of up to $5,000 to assist local farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses in covering up to half of the costs associated with employing interns.

Designed to address labor priorities and provide hands-on training for future agricultural leaders, the program focuses on operations in the northwest and central mountain regions. Since its inception in 2018, the program has distributed more than $1.25 million to support over 280 internships across the state.

For the 2027 cycle, officials aim to award at least $300,000 with the goal of funding 60 or more internships. The program has been noted for helping both existing internship structures and new businesses launch their own training opportunities.