The Colorado Department of Agriculture announced on Mar. 31 that it is accepting applications for the 2026 NextGen Ag Leadership Grants, offering up to $25,000 per project to support leadership development among emerging food and agriculture leaders in the state.
The grant program aims to help organizations and educational institutions provide leadership skill development opportunities, with a focus on preparing Coloradans for future roles in the agricultural sector. Projects with smaller budgets between $5,000 and $10,000 are encouraged. Individual applicants are not eligible; only organizations serving Colorado’s emerging food and agriculture leaders may apply.
“By supporting the development of emerging leaders, we are investing in Colorado’s future with an eye towards collaboration and innovation to create a more resilient agricultural system,” said Michele Meyer, Senior Program Manager of CDA’s Markets Division. “Through CDA’s NextGen Ag Leadership grants, organizations can get funding to provide leadership skill development. These leadership programs give the next generation of agriculturalists the skills to join the state’s long heritage of agriculture and ensure its future.”
Applicants must address at least one priority area: developing individual leadership or entrepreneurial skills; enhancing organizational leadership and capacity building; or creating educational or training opportunities. Preference will be given to projects focused on individual leadership or entrepreneurial skills.
To assist potential applicants, CDA will hold an informational webinar on Wednesday, April 1 at 1 pm MDT via Zoom. Applications are due by Friday, April 24 at 5 pm MDT through an online form.
According to the official website, the department includes key committees such as the Colorado Agricultural Commission and promotes agricultural heritage while educating youth about agriculture’s economic importance in daily life. The department also uses venues like the Colorado State Fairgrounds for annual events and employs over 300 professionals statewide. It focuses on strengthening agriculture by ensuring food safety and quality standards, protecting consumers, fostering environmental stewardship, supporting farmers and rural communities through specialized divisions such as animal health and markets development, producing publications about stewardship topics like Weights and Measures Week,according to its official website.
