Labor is a common challenge in Colorado agriculture. Businesses struggle to find qualified and trained employees. At the same time, young people who want to pursue a career in agriculture have limited access to training programs that provide real-world work experience. The Agricultural Workforce Development Program, funded by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, tackles both of these problems.
This program reimburses Colorado farms, ranches, and other agricultural businesses for 50% ($5,000 maximum) of the actual cost to employ an intern. Costs including wages, workers’ compensation insurance and protective gear for the intern can be partially covered by participating in this program.
Since 2018, CDA has awarded nearly $900,000 to support 244 internships at 189 businesses across the state.
The goal of the program is to build a talent pipeline and career pathway in our state by compensating the Colorado farms, ranches and other agricultural businesses offering internship opportunities. Interns and agricultural businesses benefit alike. Interns learn valuable skills through on-the-job training. Farmers and ranchers are repaid for their efforts teaching interns about the day-to-day operations of their business.
To participate, businesses can apply for up to three internships each year by filling out an online application available at ag.colorado.gov/awdp. The year’s applications are accepted until 5 p.m. Oct. 31.
Sam Hahn
Broomfield
