top of 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.
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.
18 hours ago
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 30, 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 20, 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 19, 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 11, 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 20, 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 6, 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 23, 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 15, 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 21, 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 6, 2025
Honoring Student Stories for Farmworker Awareness Week
As we celebrate National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 25 - 31), the F3 Initiative proudly recognizes the individuals whose labor,...
Mar 27, 2025
AgTEC on CBS National News
CBS Evening News recently highlighted Merced College’s Ag Systems Certificate, showcasing how competency-based education is helping students
Mar 7, 2025
bottom of page