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F3 Local Launches Equipment Lending Library for Small Farmers - Learn More
NEWS & UPDATES
Welcome to the F3 Initiative News page, your source for the latest updates and stories about our work transforming agriculture in California's Central Valley. Explore articles across our three gears—F3 Innovate, F3 Local, and AgTEC Workforce—to learn how we’re driving innovation, empowering local farmers, and upskilling workers for a sustainable future. Whether you’re interested in groundbreaking ag-tech research, community-based food systems, or workforce development, there’s something here for everyone.
What Drives Food Purchases in California’s Central Valley? Insights from 1,000 Consumers
F3 Local surveyed 1,000 consumers across five Central Valley counties to explore their food purchasing habits, motivations, barriers, use of food labels, and perceptions of local and organic products.
14 hours ago
F3i Wraps Up Inaugural AI Launchpad Program for Community College and High School Students
F3 Innovate’s AI Launchpad brought together 30 high school and community college students from across the Central Valley to learn how artificial intelligence can be applied to challenges facing agriculture.
2 days ago
Inducing Innovation and Other Benefits of the F3i Supercomputing Center
There are early examples of induced innovation have emerged as people with different needs and ideas start accessing the F3i Supercomputing Center. As more people have begun using the Center, we have started to notice that it is helping people do existing work faster and, in some cases, changing what people believe they can do in the first place.
3 days ago
Five Minutes, Big Impact: Consumer Feedback at the Fresno Fair
The F3 Local team brought consumer testing to the Big Fresno Fair. Through four pop-up tests, fairgoers discovered local food products while helping small businesses better understand their customers, and the response was encouraging. The goal was simple: turn consumer feedback into practical insights that help local food entrepreneurs make better business decisions.
Oct 23
In the News: Ag Program Aims to Upskill Farmworkers
The F3 AgTEC Program was featured in AgAlert. Read this spotlight on Ana Muñoz, an mother, farmworker, and AgTEC student at Merced College, and learn how the bilingual program's flexibility and hands-on training could help her advance her career opportunities in agriculture.
Oct 21
AgTEC Becomes A Statewide Model for Workforce Education
What began as an innovative approach to agricultural workforce education in California’s Central Valley is now gaining attention across the state and nation. The F3 AgTEC Workforce Initiative is now sharing its lessons and successes with colleges, educators, and industry leaders beyond the region through Climate Week, CBExchange, and more.
Oct 15
F3-Funded Innovation Comes to Life at UC Merced
From bringing together growers and researchers to testing new technology in the field, several F3-supported efforts recently came together at UC Merced. Get updates on the latest AgBag event, and learn about the university's installation of a new soil-moisture sensors from AcreLink, recipient of an F3i innovation grant.
Oct 14
Fresno State Advances Innovation in Agriculture, Biotechnology, & Engineering (Video)
Watch and learn how Fresno State's F3-funded research teams are advancing innovation in agricultural technology, biotechnology, and engineering. From autonomous farm equipment to sustainable uses for agricultural waste, researchers are developing practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Oct 14
Fresno Pacific University Celebrates First Cohort of its Ag Leadership Certificate Program
With support from the F3 Initiative, Fresno Pacific University (FPU) recently celebrated the successful completion of its inaugural Ag Leadership Certificate Program, bringing together 38 participants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. A highlight of the program was an all-expenses-paid trip to Sacramento, where 17 students toured the State Capitol and connected with legislative representatives and agricultural policy leaders.
Oct 13
Cocina La Salud (Video): Building a Community Kitchen for Fresno's Food Vendors
Cultiva La Salud has broken ground on Cocina La Salud, a community kitchen built to give Fresno's mobile food vendors a permitted, industrial space to prepare and store their food safely and legally. Watch and learn how the kitchen will create a pathway for entrepreneurs to grow from a street cart to a thriving small business, without fear.
Oct 13
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