The Colorado Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for its 2026 Agricultural Workforce Development Program, according to a statement released on Wednesday.

The program provides financial incentives to Colorado farms, ranches and agricultural businesses to hire interns and offer hands-on training essential for careers in agriculture.

Awardees will be reimbursed up to 50% of the actual cost to employ each intern up to $5,000, covering wages, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation and other internship-related expenses. 

Businesses may apply for up to three internships annually, with priority given to those engaged in crop, livestock, dairy, timber and/or nursery production. Since its launch in 2018, the program has awarded nearly $900,000 to support 244 internships at 189 agriculture businesses statewide.

“Through hands-on learning, interns gain necessary skills and experience in an unparalleled work environment, while ag business leaders share specialized knowledge and operational skills, simultaneously honing their management acumen,” said Colorado Department of Agriculture Markets Division Director Amanda Laban in the statement. 

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.

Interested applicants can attend an informational webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 to learn more about the program and application process. The webinar will be recorded and posted on the program’s website for those who cannot attend. 

Awardees will be announced by mid-December, with internships running through the 2026 calendar year. 

For more information or to apply, visit Ag.Colorado.gov/AWDP.

To register for the webinar, visit tinyurl.com/yc374sb7.