Colorado hemp farmers can tap into state grant to hire interns

With the industry’s new federally legal status, hemp farmers have increased access to workforce-development grants that have long been available to other industries.

Colorado has opened up roughly $40,000 for farmers to hire interns for at least 130 hours of work between now and June.

All farmers can apply, including those licensed to grow hemp.

Colorado businesses can get up to $5,000 or 50% of the cost of the internship.

In addition to the minimum-hours requirement, interested businesses must show they can provide “a focused learning opportunity” and must pay the interns at least minimum wage.

Colorado lawmakers set up the intern-reimbursement program in 2018 as an incentive to boost farm hiring.