Agricultural Workforce Development Program

The Agricultural Workforce Development Program is administered by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture as a state-level initiative designed to strengthen the agricultural labor pipeline by supporting workforce development through structured internships. Established under the Agricultural Workforce Development Program Act signed into law in 2019, the program reflects a policy effort to ensure the long-term sustainability of New Mexico’s agricultural sector. It focuses on bridging the gap between education and employment by incentivizing agricultural businesses to provide hands-on training opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in agriculture, including students and beginning farmers or ranchers. The primary purpose of the program is to provide meaningful, practical work experience that can lead to long-term employment or career development in agriculture. Eligible internship focus areas include agribusiness, agronomy, crop production, farm and ranch management, food safety, machinery maintenance and repair, marketing and sales, natural resources, and conservation. By supporting these areas, the program aims to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of addressing industry needs while also encouraging new entrants into agricultural professions. Funding is structured as a reimbursement model. Participating agricultural businesses may receive up to 50 percent of the actual costs associated with employing an intern, with a maximum reimbursement of 15000 dollars per intern. Businesses may apply for funding for up to three interns per calendar year, allowing for a maximum potential reimbursement of 45000 dollars annually. Eligible reimbursable expenses include wages, workers compensation insurance costs attributable to the intern, overhead such as room and board, and incidental costs such as supplies and mileage related to internship duties. All costs must be documented and submitted through invoices supported by timesheets, pay stubs, and receipts where applicable. Eligibility is limited to agricultural businesses operating within the state of New Mexico. These businesses must have a physical location in the state, demonstrate the ability to supervise interns, and provide meaningful work experiences that meet program standards. Interns must be at least 18 years old and meet one of several criteria, such as being enrolled in an educational program or qualifying as a beginning farmer or rancher within the first ten years of operation. Businesses are required to identify and secure interns prior to applying, as the program does not facilitate matching. Immediate family members and current or past employees of the business are not eligible as interns. The application process requires agricultural businesses to first identify eligible interns and then submit a completed application form during the open application window. Applicants must ensure compliance with labor laws, pay at least minimum wage, provide workers compensation insurance, and commit to a minimum of 130 hours of internship experience per intern, not exceeding one year in duration. After completing the internship, businesses must submit documentation for reimbursement along with a post-internship evaluation detailing the intern’s responsibilities, skills gained, and hours worked. The application period for this funding cycle opens on June 15, 2026, and remains open until March 31, 2027, or until funds are fully allocated, whichever occurs first. Internships must take place between July 1, 2026, and May 31, 2027. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis depending on compliance with program requirements and availability of funds. Payments are issued after the internship concludes and required documentation is submitted. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the New Mexico Department of Agriculture via email at AWD@nmda.nmsu.edu or by phone at 575-646-2642.

Ensure intern is identified before applying; maintain accurate cost records; comply with wage and insurance requirements; submit complete documentation for reimbursement