KDA SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2026

We are pleased to announce the Kentucky Department of Agriculture internship program for Summer 2026. We will be accepting applications between November 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture summer internship program strives to provide opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience, knowledge, and understanding of the governmental process through pre-professional work in various occupational fields. KDA offers students studying majors both directly and indirectly relating to agriculture. Desired career paths include many different areas but are not limited to, Agriculture, Education, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Pre-Law, and Consumer and Environmental Protection. Our internships offer an opportunity for individuals who seek challenging and rewarding experience. Interns work alongside KDA professionals on projects that make a positive impact across the Commonwealth, helping to advance the mission of promoting and protecting Kentucky’s agricultural interests. The summer internship program gives students insight into considering a future career within the agriculture industry and with Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Some travel may be expected during the internship and the hours worked will be dependent on the immediate supervisor and internship coordinators.

CRITERIA

Undergraduate Students currently enrolled at a college, university, or vocational-technical program.
Applicant must provide their own transportation to their internship.
Must be familiar with using Microsoft and Windows operating systems.

INTERNSHIP AREA:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

The Office of Communications informs the public about the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s efforts to serve Kentuckians every day. This office keeps you up to date on news about Kentucky agriculture and shares stories about the Kentucky farm families and agribusinesses that are responsible for the food and fiber that we all need. This office handles social media, graphic design, photography, videography, and publications.

OFFICE OF LEGAL SERVICES

The Office of Legal Services (OLS) handles the day-to-day legal needs of Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA). OLS also serves as the KDA’s legislative liaison to members of the Kentucky General Assembly, represents the Department and its employees in administrative hearings and court proceedings, responds to open records requests it receives from members of the public, and performs other duties assigned by the Commissioner of Agriculture.

OFFICE OF AGRICULTURE POLICY

The Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy provides staff support to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation. The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation provide grants, incentives and low-interest loans to help farmers and agribusinesses innovate and grow.

OFFICE OF CONSUMER AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Office for Consumer & Environmental Protection performs a wide variety of regulatory functions that serve every Kentuckian every day. OCEP houses three main divisions.
The Division of Environmental Services is responsible for regulating the registration, sale, distribution, proper use, storage, disposal, and application of pesticides in Kentucky.
The Division of Food Distribution distributes USDA commodities to eligible recipient agencies. The Division operates the Farm to School Program, a national model for helping Kentucky schools serve fresh local foods to their students.
The Division of Regulation and Inspection checks motor fuel pumps and price scanners for accuracy, tests motor fuel for impurities and octane level, inspects amusement rides and attractions, regulates aerial recreational devices, calibrates scales and other measuring devices used in commerce, administers the Grain Insurance Fund, and performs many other duties.

OFFICE OF AGRICULTURE MARKETING

The KDA Office of Agricultural Marketing assists farmers, agricultural businesses, and commodity groups in promoting and marketing their products by expanding existing markets, as well as developing domestic and international markets. The Office of Agricultural Marketing houses programs including Kentucky Proud, Buy Local, Agriculture Education, Rasing Hope, Shows and Fairs, etc.

OFFICE OF STATE VETERINARIAN

The Office for State Veterinarian mission is to protect the health and welfare of Kentucky's livestock, poultry, and agricultural industries. The Office for State Veterinarian also promotes an environment that enhances the economic and recreational opportunities and prosperity of Kentucky agriculture. This office houses programs including animal disease prevents, emergency preparedness programs, livestock movement and identification, etc.
Click to apply: https://forms.gle/kQWX7BNR8Nk9fk1y8
Note: all applications must be submitted digitally through the link about. Paper/Mail-in applications will not be considered.