Applications will be accepted through  Jan. 5 from agricultural businesses in Colorado interested in hiring paid interns in 2024.

Kate Greenberg, the commissioner of agriculture, said ag producers have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with those looking to get into the industry.

“Through paid, hands-on internships and stipends to the businesses, we’re helping to create opportunities to develop the next generation of farmers and ranchers and support their entry into future agricultural careers,” Greenberg said.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture administers the Agricultural Workforce Development Program, which provides financial incentives to Colorado farms, ranches and other agricultural businesses to hire interns and provide them with the hands-on training needed to begin a career in agriculture.

Qualified businesses may be reimbursed for up to 50 percent of the cost of hiring an intern, up to $5,000, in exchange for providing educational experiences.

Since the program was established in 2018, the CDA has funded a total of more than 130 internships at farms, ranches and agricultural businesses across the state — 36 in 2023 alone.

To apply, businesses must complete an online application found on the CDA website at ag.colorado.gov/awdp. A team of reviewers will evaluate applications. Award notices will be sent out in February.

Once businesses receiving funding are selected, the CDA will publish a form for interns seeking an internship, so interested candidates can connect with businesses. Internship applications will be open in early spring.

A Zoom meeting offering information about the internship program as well as a question and answer  session is scheduled for 2 p.m. Dec. 11.

The meeting is free to attend, but participants must register to receive the Zoom link. Those unable to join the meeting can find a recording on the Agricultural Workforce Development Program page of the CDA website after Dec. 11.

More information about the Agricultural Workforce Development Program also is available by contacting Joanne Hernandez, a CDA grants specialist, at joanne.hernandez@state.co.us.