New Mexico agricultural businesses can now apply for internship funding through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s (NMDA) Agricultural Workforce Development (AWD) Program. The application period began on June 16, 2025. This program provides financial support to help businesses hire interns, aiming to prepare the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and agriculture professionals.
Eligible businesses in New Mexico can receive reimbursement for up to 50% of actual internship costs, with a maximum limit of $15,000 per intern. Each internship must comprise at least 130 hours. Businesses are allowed to hire up to three interns annually. Interns need to be at least 18 years old; however, they do not have to be residents of New Mexico.
Taylor Lee, owner of Cortese and Lee Cattle Company, praised the program: “Participating in the AWD Program was a worthwhile experience for us. It gave us the chance to bring in young talent and introduce them to the kind of work we do every day. The program was well organized and made it easy to get started and follow through.” He described it as a “solid opportunity” for any agricultural business looking toward future workforce investment.
The AWD Program offers hands-on training opportunities for beginning agricultural workers while aiding businesses in expanding their workforce. Launched in 2020 after legislation passed in 2019, it continues to support producers and processors by alleviating expansion costs.
“This program not only helps train the next generation but also supports producers and processors by easing the cost of expanding their operations,” stated Jeff Witte, New Mexico Agriculture Secretary.
Emily Willis is one example of an intern benefiting from this initiative, as she works on various tasks like picking pears or operating equipment on farms in Los Lunas, New Mexico.
