AgTEC Workforce

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.

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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

First AgTEC Graduates from Lemoore College

Lemoore College celebrated a meaningful milestone: the very first graduation ceremony for students completing the F3 AgTEC Ag Systems Certificate.

Aug 10, 2025

F3 Initiative - Quarter 1 2025 Summary

The 2025 Q1 Summary includes a snapshot of recent impact and activities across the F3 Initiative and its partners, including jobs, investments, accomplishments, and success stories from three gears: F3 Local, AgTEC Workforce, and F3 Innovate.

Jul 28, 2025

Machine Mondays: Hands-On Learning at Reedley College

At Reedley College, “Machine Mondays” give AgTEC students hands-on experience operating farm equipment and new ag technologies.

Jul 17, 2025

From Strawberries to Smart Farm: Adamaris Alvarez Grows Passion into a Career Path

Adamaris Alvarez grew up farming berries on her family’s farm in Watsonville — now she’s helping cultivate the future of agriculture. She’s the first in her family to graduate college and the first person to complete Merced College’s F3 AgTEC certificate program.

Jun 19, 2025

F3 Featured on Marketplace - National Radio Show

The F3 Initiative is proud to be featured in a four-part series on Marketplace & Marketplace Tech - national radio shows/podcasts that feature daily business news and economic stories. The series, which aired May 20–22 and June 6, shines a spotlight on the collaborative work happening across California’s Central Valley to transform the future of food and agriculture.

Jun 5, 2025

Brookings Publishes an In-Depth Case Study on the F3 Initiative

The Brookings Institution published a new in-depth case study spotlighting the F3 Initiative as a national example of how federal investment can drive inclusive, tech-forward regional economic transformation.

May 22, 2025

AgTEC Program Celebrates First Graduations

Congratulations to the first graduating cohorts of AgTEC students from Coalinga College and Reedley College! These students are among the first in the Central Valley to complete the Ag Systems Certificate.

May 14, 2025

AgTEC Innovation Center Breaks Ground

Merced College celebrated a major milestone with the groundbreaking of its highly anticipated AgTEC Innovation Center—a transformative facility that will play a critical role in preparing the Central Valley’s agricultural workforce for the future. The event drew students, local officials, and industry leaders eager to witness the next chapter in Merced College’s commitment to agricultural innovation.

Apr 20, 2025

AgTEC Convening Strengthens Curriculum & Student Success

AgTEC faculty and student support coordinators from across the Central Valley gathered at Clovis Community College for a full-day convening focused on alignment, curriculum development, and strategies to ensure student success.

Apr 5, 2025