Colorado Opened Agricultural Internship Grant Applications
Agricultural businesses can now apply for funding to support intern wages and costs for the 2027 growing season.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Internships
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The Colorado Department of Agriculture has opened the application window for grants under its Agricultural Workforce Development Program. These funds are designed to help local businesses offset the costs of hiring interns for the 2027 growing season.
Why it matters
The program helps sustain Colorado's agricultural workforce by covering half of the expenses related to student employment. It serves as a key pillar in the department's long-term strategy to support rural communities and local industry growth.
The program provides up to 50 percent of intern employment costs, with a maximum grant award of $5,000 per intern. Since its 2018 launch, the initiative has distributed over $1.25 million to support 280 internships.
The players
Colorado Department of Agriculture
This state government agency is responsible for the oversight and administration of agricultural programs in Colorado.
The details
Businesses must submit their applications through the official program portal, where they will undergo an evaluation by a review team. The funding covers essential internship costs including wages, workers' compensation insurance, and other related expenses.
Timeline
The program has been active since 2018.
An informational webinar takes place Oct. 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. MT.
Grant applications are due Nov. 2, 2026, by 5 p.m. MT.
Grant award notifications are expected in mid-December 2026.
The internship placements will occur during the 2027 growing season.
Market Landscape
This grant program reflects a broader trend of state-funded initiatives aimed at addressing labor shortages in specialized sectors. By subsidizing training, the department positions local agriculture to better compete for talent against other industries.
Local agricultural businesses can reduce their hiring overhead by half for the upcoming season through this funding. This allows operators to scale their workforce more affordably while providing students with paid hands-on experience.
The takeaway
These grants offer a significant financial buffer for businesses looking to expand their staff during the next harvest. Prospective employers should ensure their applications are complete and submitted before the November deadline to be considered for funding.
What happens next
The department will host an informational webinar for interested applicants on Oct. 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. MT, followed by an application deadline of Nov. 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. MT.
Further reading
Learn more about career opportunities and professional development by visiting the Colorado Internships section.
More information
Submit your proposal or review program requirements via the agricultural internship grant application.
Live Poll
Do you believe state-funded grants are an effective way to help new workers enter agriculture?
