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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.
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
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
Technology Revolution in Agriculture Needs Investment in Humans as Well as Machines
In a paper published by international journal Agricultural Systems, the UC Merced-led team found high interest among the farm workforce in agricultural technology training. Funded through the F3 Initiative, researchers have found that adopting new technology requires humans as much as tools and can provide greater opportunities for people.
Sep 10
Student Survey Shows AgTEC is Creating Pathways to Higher-Skill Agricultural Careers
A new survey of AgTEC students, conducted by Arken Strategies, is providing powerful evidence that the program is helping Central Valley workers gain new technical skills, advance their careers, and continue their education.
Jul 21
AgTEC Students & Faculty Share Successes with Statewide Partners
Representatives from the statewide AgSTEP program recently visited the Central Valley to see firsthand how the F3 Initiative's AgTEC Workforce program has transformed agricultural education across the region.
Jul 18
AgTEC Career Fair (Video)
The AgTEC Career Fair brought together students, employers, and industry partners to connect, explore careers, and build the future of agriculture. Watch the recap video and learn how AgTEC is creating pathways to ag careers for local students and farmworkers.
Jul 12
Ag Systems Certificate Graduates Celebrate at Clovis Community College
On Saturday, May 16, students, family members, instructors, and community supporters gathered at Clovis Community College to celebrate a major achievement: the completion of the Ag Systems Certificate program.
Jun 2
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
Fresno Pacific University to Launch Ag Leadership Certificate
A new Ag Leadership Certificate is being offered at Fresno Pacific University. The non-credit program offers an opportunity to earn a professional certificate, build valuable connections with leaders in ag and gain industry knowledge. The seven-week program will be held at FPU on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. beginning August 21, 2026, through October 2, 2026.
Apr 9
AgTEC Career Fair - June 4
The F3 Initiative’s AgTEC Workforce program is bringing students and employers together for an exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and grow at the upcoming AgTEC Career Fair. All AgTEC students from across the region’s community colleges are encouraged to attend and explore the wide range of career opportunities available.
Mar 30
International Year of the Woman Farmer
The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026), a global recognition of the vital role women play across agrifood systems. Women farmers are central to food security, nutrition and economic resilience. Women farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and leaders are shaping the future of agriculture every day, balancing tradition, innovation, and community impact.
Mar 17
Merced College Wins Bellwether Award for Leadership in Workforce Innovation
Merced College has been named a 2026 Bellwether Award winner in the Workforce Development category, a national honor recognizing innovative and replicable programs that address critical workforce challenges. The award recognizes the college’s AgTEC Workforce Initiative, a comprehensive agricultural innovation ecosystem designed to prepare farmworkers and future agricultural professionals for a rapidly evolving industry shaped by automation, robotics and data-driven systems.
Feb 25
Merced College Named National Finalist for Bellwether Award for Innovation in Workforce Development
Merced College has been selected as one of 10 national finalists in the Workforce Development category for the 2026 Bellwether Awards, a prestigious honor recognizing innovation, excellence, and scalable best practices among community colleges across the United States. The college was nominated for its AgTEC Workforce Initiative and the development of the AgTEC Innovation Center.
Jan 14
Video: AgTEC Program Testimonials
This video features powerful testimonials from students, instructors, and community leaders about the F3 AgTEC Workforce program. Now with over 650 enrollments and 60+ graduates, AgTEC offers hands-on training through an Ag Systems certificate designed for real jobs in today’s ag industry.
Dec 17, 2025
AgTEC Student Spotlight: Victor Morales
For Víctor Morales, joining the AgTEC program at Reedley College provided more than just a new set of skills, it was about growth. He reflects on gaining knowledge such as machine handling and real field applications. Víctor encourages others to take the leap and reminds us all that growth has no age limit when opportunity is within reach. Learn more about the AgTEC Program at: f3agtec.org
Nov 19, 2025
Request for Proposals: Case Study Evaluation
We’re excited to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Case Study Evaluation of the F3 Initiative. This is a unique opportunity to help study and document the systems-level impact of F3’s work in agriculture, innovation, and workforce development. Proposals are due by December 10, 2025.
Nov 12, 2025
Reedley College Helps Grow Ag Innovation & Education
The Reedley College Agriculture Conference highlighted the many ag programs and pathways offered, and included several F3 speakers and panelists representing both the F3 AgTEC and F3 Innovate gears. The event was featured in Mid Valley Times, and focused on how focused on Reedley College is cultivating an environment where students can grow into careers in ag and innovative technologies can blossom.
Oct 29, 2025
AgTEC Student Spotlight: Noemí Hernández
In this short video feature, Noemí Hernández shares her story of discovery, growth, and opportunity through earning her Ag Systems Certificate at Reedley College.
Oct 19, 2025
AgTEC Workforce Program Featured on Telemundo
The AgTEC Workforce Initiative, offered in partnership with six community colleges across the Central Valley, was highlighted in a segment on Telemundo Fresno on September 17, 2025.
Sep 18, 2025
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