The Colorado Department Agriculture (CDA) has selected four organizations and three educational institutions to receive NextGen Ag Leadership Grants for projects supporting educational, training and leadership development opportunities for Colorado’s emerging food and agriculture leaders, including Colorado State University (CSU) Extension.
This year, CDA awarded more than $156,000 to seven grantees serving diverse populations across the state. Overall, the NextGen Ag Leadership Grant Program received 72 applications requesting nearly $1.5 million in funding.
“Supporting future generations and developing leaders are among the top priorities for CDA and this program is an incredible investment into the future of agriculture in Colorado,” said Amanda Laban, CDA’s Markets Division Director. “Each year we look for ways to leverage dollars in the most impactful way to provide truly meaningful opportunities to those looking to start or expand their skills in agriculture.”
Projects supported by this grant help future leaders grow by gaining new skills or experiences.
With its grant, CSU Extension will develop a cohort of young leaders to deepen their understanding of Colorado’s food system, participate in peer-to-peer learning and mentorship, and present at the 2026 Colorado Food Summit.
The other organizations and educational institutions selected for funding include Adams State University in Alamosa County, Ag and Food Lab in Adams County, Hispanic Women’s Farming Proyecto in Larimer and Weld counties, San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition in Alamosa County, Stratton School District R-4 in Kit Carson County, and Valley Food Partnership in Montrose and Delta counties.
NextGen Ag Leadership Grants are available annually. The program website will be updated with information about next year’s application cycle, and anyone can sign up for email updates about this grant opportunity.
Supporting future generations of agriculturalists is one of CDA’s strategic priorities. This priority includes increasing access to land and capital for beginning farmers, expanding internships and educational opportunities, and promoting agricultural science and career exploration for students. Developing leaders has been one of CDA’s Wildly Important Goals for several years, and focuses on cultivating a strong network of leaders who can drive Colorado’s agricultural future.
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