Building Colorado’s Ag Future: Workforce Development Program Supports Internships for Ag Businesses

The Agricultural Workforce Development Program helps Colorado’s farms, ranches, and ag-based businesses connect with and train the next wave of agricultural professionals.

Launched through legislation introduced by the Young and Beginning Farmers Interim Study Committee during the 2018 session of the Colorado General Assembly, this program is a forward-thinking investment in both Colorado’s agricultural economy and its emerging workforce.

The Agricultural Workforce Development Program is designed to provide financial support to agricultural businesses that host interns for hands-on, real-world training. Participating businesses can apply for up to three internships each year and receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the intern’s actual employment costs, with a maximum of $5,000 per intern.

By supporting both businesses and interns, the AWDP strengthens the backbone of Colorado’s agricultural economy—and sows the seeds for a thriving future.

For more information on how to apply for the program, visit: https://ag.colorado.gov/markets/markets-funding/agricultural-workforce-development-program

Read a success story from Boulder, CO here: https://ag.colorado.gov/blog-post/grama-grass-livestock-a-grant-story