Agricultural Workforce Development Program
Agricultural Workforce Development Program supports Colorado agricultural businesses with paid, hands-on internships that help interns build practical skills and prepare for careers in agriculture.
Funder: Colorado Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: November 2, 2026, at 5:00 pm MT (Application) | October 7, 2026, at 11:00 am MT (Webinar) | January 1–December 31, 2027 (Internship window)
Funding Amounts: Up to 50% of actual internship costs, capped at $5,000 per intern; up to three internships per business annually
Summary: Supports paid, hands-on internships at Colorado agricultural businesses to prepare interns for careers in agriculture.
Key Information: Only businesses apply; interns must be new W-2 employees, not previous workers or relatives of the owner or operator.
Description
The Agricultural Workforce Development Program (AWDP), administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), provides financial incentives for Colorado farms, ranches, and other agricultural businesses to hire and train interns. It compensates businesses for providing supervised, educational experience in the day-to-day operations of an agricultural enterprise, while helping interns gain practical skills needed to begin an agricultural career.
Created through legislation in 2018, AWDP aims to build a talent pipeline and career pathway linking education, training, and work-based learning. Preference is given to businesses producing agricultural crops, livestock, dairy, timber, or greenhouse and nursery products. Supported internships combine paid work with educational opportunities and must provide at least 130 hours of experience.
