Starting today, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is accepting applications from Colorado farms, ranches, and other agricultural businesses looking to hire interns in 2026. Through the Agricultural Workforce Development Program (AWDP), businesses may be reimbursed for up to 50 percent of the actual cost to employ an intern, up to $5,000, in exchange for providing a hands-on experience needed to begin a career in agriculture.
“Year after year, we see the impact of developing the next generation of Colorado’s agricultural workforce,” said Amanda Laban, Markets Division Director. “Through hands-on learning, interns gain necessary skills and experience, in an unparalleled work environment, while ag business leaders share specialized knowledge and operational skills, simultaneously honing their management acumen. Interns walk away with either a spark ignited for working in agriculture, or knowledge that an agricultural career isn’t for them. That knowledge is invaluable. The growth and expansion of the program into new ag industries demonstrates both the need and value of the AWDP program; we will continue striving and adapting to meet the needs of Colorado’s agricultural industries.”
Since the program’s creation in 2018, the Agricultural Workforce Development Program has awarded more than $895,000 to fund 244 internships at 189 businesses across the state. The program is also a key strategy to advancing the “People and Community” direction of CDA’s strategic plan.
Colorado farms, ranches, and other agricultural businesses are eligible for this program. Preference is given to Colorado businesses engaged in the production of agricultural crops, livestock, dairy, timber, or greenhouse and nursery products. Businesses may apply for up to three internships per year.
Applications open October 1, and the deadline to submit an application is Friday, October 31, 2025, at 5 pm. Applications will be evaluated by a team of reviewers, and award notices will be sent out in mid-December.
Businesses must fill out an online application through the program website at ag.colorado.gov/awdp.
To answer questions about the program, application, and review process, CDA held an informational webinar on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 11:00 am MDT. Anyone interested in learning more could attend the webinar. The webinar was recorded and is 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 financial incentives to agricultural businesses that hire interns, the AWDP provides practical training and professional advancement for future ag professionals.