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Check out the latest F3 news & events! Click here to visit our News page.
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.
F3i Webinar: Building a Global Hub for Agriculture and Food Innovation in California’s Central Valley
On June 2 at 11:00am, join the next Building Better Regions Community of Practice webinar to hear how F3i is building a regional model that connects growers, startups, universities, workforce partners, investors, and public agencies to solve real-world agricultural challenges through practical, scalable innovation.
7 hours ago
'Central to the Valley' Toolkits Now Available
'Central to the Valley' Toolkits have launched, designed to help partners across the food system successfully onboard into the Central to the Valley brand. These toolkits include: social media assets, messaging guidance, marketing templates, promotional materials, brand resources, and more.
1 day ago
F3i Launches AI Launchpad with Microsoft
F3 Innovate (F3i) announced a new partnership with Microsoft to launch AI Launchpad, an education and workforce development program designed to equip high school and community college students across California’s Central Valley with foundational skills in artificial intelligence, data science, and cloud computing.
May 20
Video: Ag Day at Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Ag Day at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo was a wonderful opportunity for F3 to connect with local families and share the many ways people can get involved in the future of agriculture, food, and innovation in the Central Valley.
May 11
Student Spotlight: Julianne Luna
Julianne Luna, a junior at Sanger High School, turned her curiosity for clean water innovation into the top placing project at the Fresno County Science Fair, and it focused on a bio absorbent used for selective removal of pollution in contaminated water sources.
May 7
Request for Proposals: 'Central to the Valley' Implementation Project
Following the launch of the Central to the Valley brand, the F3 Initiative is excited to announce a new Request for Proposals (RFP) to support the next phase of this work. CVCF, through the F3 Initiative, is seeking an organization, marketing firm, consultant, or team to help bring the Central to the Valley brand to life across the five-county region. Proposals are due by May 8, 2026.
Apr 23
AgTEC Student Spotlight: Gabriel Valladolid
Meet Gabriel Valladolid, an AgTEC student at Fresno City College, as he shares his experience earning his Ag Systems Certificate. In this student spotlight, Gabriel talks about why he signed up for the AgTEC program, hear about his favorite course, and how the program can open doors to new opportunities in the agriculture industry. His story is a great example of how AgTEC is helping students build skills and confidence for the future.
Apr 22
F3i Data Challenge #2: Satellite-Based Orchard Stress Mapping
Registration is open for F3 Innovate's Data Challenge #2: Satellite-Based Orchard Stress Mapping, a competitive four-week AI code sprint open to university teams and individual technologists. The challenge launched on April 13 with a virtual kickoff webinar, and the submission deadline is May 8. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams!
Apr 21
Video: Central to the Valley - Campaign Launch
The new Central to the Valley brand campaign officially launched in Ivanhoe, California, bringing together farmers, growers, and community partners to celebrate a new regional brand focused on strengthening connections to Central Valley agriculture. This video captures the launch event and highlights how the campaign is working to elevate local farmers, increase demand for regionally grown food, and build a more resilient, community-centered food system.
Apr 17
F3i TerraTech Summer Internship Opportunity
F3 Innovate is now accepting applications for TerraTech26, a paid summer internship program that gives students the opportunity to work on real-world projects shaping the future of food and agriculture. Running from June 1 to August 7, 2026, TerraTech places interns directly within industry partner organizations, where they contribute to meaningful, project-based work. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through May 1, 2026.
Apr 15
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