Colorado Agricultural Grants Open for 2027 Seasonal Interns
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.
Agricultural Workforce Development Program Support
According to the CDA, ag businesses may be awarded up to 50% 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, through the Agricultural Workforce Development Program (AWDP).
The grants help businesses cover wages, workers' compensation insurance, and other incidental internship costs, along with advancing the "People and Community" direction of CDA's strategic plan.
"The need for quality, hands-on training opportunities for our next generation has never been greater," said Amanda Laban, CDA 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."
Program Success and Impact
Since the AWDP was created in 2018, it has granted more than $1.25 million to support over 280 internships across the state of Colorado.
Application Details
- Applications due: November 2, 2026 by 5 p.m. Mountain Time (MT)
- Application method: Online via ag.colorado.gov/awdp
- Evaluation process: Reviewed by a team of reviewers