# Agricultural workforce development initiatives > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/agricultural-workforce-development-initiatives > Updated: 2026-10-06T16:12:21.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Agricultural workforce development and training initiatives are expanding in Colorado and South Africa to prepare future farming professionals. In Colorado, the Agricultural Workforce Development Program is accepting applications for the 2027 growing season. The program provides grants of up to $5,000 to help local farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses cover half the cost of employing interns. Since 2018, the program has distributed over $1.25 million to support more than 280 internships. For the 2027 cycle, officials aim to award at least $300,000 to fund 60 or more internships, focusing on operations in the northwest and central mountain regions. In South Africa, Agri Skills Transfer is expanding its offerings for the 2027 academic year. Based in Pretoria with practical training at the Cullinan Farm Training Centre, the institution is developing new residential facilities and expanding its occupational training. The program offers national diploma programmes in animal and plant production, alongside new QCTO certifications and specialized short courses designed to provide hands-on industry exposure. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-06: Colorado agricultural program offers grants for farm internships Colorado's Agricultural Workforce Development Program is offering grants of up to $5,000 to help farms and ranches fund internships for the 2027 growing season to train future agricultural professionals. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-agricultural-program-offers-grants-for-farm-internships ### 2026-10-06: Agricultural training programs expand in Colorado and South Africa Agricultural training programs in Colorado and South Africa are expanding initiatives for 2027, including internship grants in the US and new residential facilities and certifications in South Africa. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/agricultural-training-programs-expand-in-colorado-and-south-africa --- Cite as: Agricultural workforce development initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/agricultural-workforce-development-initiatives