Jan 11, 2023

Colorado farms can receive funding for harvest interns

Funding is available to Colorado ag businesses seeking interns for the 2023 growing season.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s (CDA) Agricultural Workforce Development Program (AWDP) is accepting applications from businesses looking to hire interns for the 2023 growing season.

The AWDP provides financial incentives to Colorado farms, ranches and agricultural businesses to hire interns and provide them with the hands-on training needed to begin agriculture careers. Qualified businesses may be reimbursed for up to 50% of the actual costs of hiring an intern, up to $5,000, in exchange for providing an educational experience to the intern, according to a news release.

Since the program was created in 2018, CDA has funded more than 75 internships at agricultural operations across the state. The year 2022 saw 25 applications, according to the release.

Once businesses receiving funding are selected, CDA will publish a form for interns who are seeking an internship, so interested intern candidates can connect with them. Internship applications will be open in Spring 2023

“By providing paid, hands-on internships in agriculture, we’re helping more young people gain access to education and experience that will help them decide if they want to pursue a career in agriculture,” Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg said in the release. “This program supports the development of future generations of farmers and ranchers, and supports ag business owners in training the next generation.”

To apply, qualifying agricultural businesses must complete an online application found on CDA’s website.

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 10 with award notices expected to be emailed later that month.