The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is now accepting applications for grants designed to help local farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses in Mesa County and across the state fund internships for the 2027 growing season. The Agricultural Workforce Development Program aims to provide a vital resource for producers seeking extra labor while simultaneously cultivating the next generation of agricultural professionals. Applications for the program opened on October 1 and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on November 2.
This grant initiative offers up to $5,000 per internship, covering as much as half of the employment costs, including wages and worker's compensation insurance. According to Olga Robak, director of communications and public awareness with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the program helps local operations, including those in the northwest and central mountain regions, to "bring on an extra set of hands" at a time when labor remains a top priority for agricultural producers.
Sam Hahn, manager of the Agricultural Workforce Development program, explained that the program was created after a legislative study committee of farmers and ranchers identified the need for more training opportunities for young people in the state. Since its inception in 2018, the program has disbursed more than $1.25 million, supporting over 280 internships statewide. For the upcoming 2027 growing season, the Colorado Department of Agriculture plans to award at least $300,000 with the goal of funding 60 or more internships, Hahn stated.
The program is not only designed to help fund existing internship programs but has also assisted new businesses in launching their own. Hahn shared that at least one former intern, whose educational experience was supported by the grant program, went on to establish their own agricultural business and later returned to the program as a mentor. "We gave out our first grants in 2019, and we still have some of those businesses coming back," Hahn said, adding that the program sees a good mix of both long-time and new internship mentors participating.
Any agricultural business operating within Colorado is eligible to apply for the grants. Preference will be given to producers involved with crops, livestock, dairy, timber, and greenhouse and nursery products. Hahn encourages farmers and ranchers who have considered starting an internship or are concerned about covering costs to apply.
Applicants will be informed of grant awards in mid-December, according to a program release. For those interested in learning more, an informational webinar is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7. The webinar will address questions about the program, guide participants through the online application process, and clarify the review procedures. Registration for the webinar is available via Zoom, and a recording will be posted on the program's website for later access. Applications can be found through the program website.
