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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 TerraTech Intern Spotlight
After a planned study-abroad program was canceled, Erick began looking for a way to stay engaged over the summer. What started as a last-minute decision became a meaningful introduction to a different side of agriculture through TerraTech and his internship with Eco2Mix.
Jun 5
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.
May 29
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
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
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
State Board of Food and Agriculture visits UC Merced
On April 7, the California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates from researchers at the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) on the campus’ Agricultural Experimental Station and the Secure Water Future collaborative.
Apr 3
Inside F3 Innovate’s Vision for Agriculture (AgNet West)
At the World Ag Expo, one conversation with “the Ag Meter” Nick Papagni, stood out as a glimpse into the future of farming. Priscilla Koepke, CEO of F3 Innovate, shared how her organization is working to transform agriculture in California’s Central Valley—and beyond—through technology, education, and collaboration.
Mar 25
Big Ag Shows Interest in Fresno State’s Robot Harvester (The Fresno Bee)
A team of Fresno State engineering students is developing a first-of-its-kind robotic tool that could dramatically change the way citrus fruit is harvested. In field tests, the machine’s robotic hand has successfully completed several critical benchmarks, including being able to precisely cut the fruit’s stem so as not to leave any sharp edges.
Mar 21
Ag Day at Fresno Chaffee Zoo
On Saturday, March 21, Fresno Chaffee Zoo will host Ag Day: Seed to Table, a vibrant celebration honoring the region that helps feed our community—and the world. This special event invites families, farmers, innovators, youth leaders, and community members to come together for a fun, hands-on experience that highlights the richness and diversity of agriculture across our region.
Mar 19
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
VIDEO: 2026 World Ag Expo®
This recap video highlights the F3 Initiative and F3 Innovate’s participation at the 2026 World Ag Expo, including a co-sponsorship of the Top 10 New Products and F3i's interactive booth featuring F3 partners and a live podcast station.
Mar 11
Agave Events hosted by UC Merced (March 17-18, 2026)
Join us for two agave events this week, hosted by UC Merced. First, on March 17th, join researchers for "From Monterrey to Merced - Agave Research & Academic Collaboration with Tecnológico de Monterrey", then on March 18th, join a public 21+ only event at UC Merced on Main: "Beyond Spirits: Agave as a Source of Knowledge and Benefits"
Mar 9
Ag Bag Events are Back this Semester at UC Merced
Ag Bag gatherings are back at UC Merced this semester, creating space for faculty, staff, graduate students, and post-docs to come together and strengthen the agricultural research community on campus. Join the next Ag Bag on Thursday, March 5, with a focus on “Environmental Stressors & Resilience in Agricultural Systems.”
Feb 27
Ag-Tech Takes Center Stage at World Ag Expo
F3 and F3i were featured in an Agri-Pulse West article on February 18, 2026. At the World Ag Expo, leaders showcased new technologies, workforce initiatives and statewide efforts to turn ag-tech into a cornerstone of California ag’s future.
Feb 18
Fresno State’s Robotic Citrus Harvester Featured on ABC30
Fresno State’s technically advanced robotic citrus harvester was recently featured on ABC30 News, highlighting how this cutting-edge technology is being tested in real-world conditions.
Feb 12
TerraTech Returns in 2026
TerraTech applications are officially open for the 2026 cohort of businesses and interns, building on the successes of last year. TerraTech boasts a diverse slate of businesses, organizations, and projects, spanning multiple agricultural sectors and disciplines. TerraTech26 runs from June 1 to Aug. 7, 2026. The application deadline is May 1, 2026.
Feb 4
Creative, Problem-Solving Projects Win at UC Merced's I2G (Innovate to Grow)
A semi-automated washing system for bins at a tomato-processing facility and a mobile app for hikers earned big wins at the Fall 2025 I2G, or Innovate to Grow, event at UC Merced.
I2G is a unique "experiential learning" program that engages external partner organizations with teams of students who design systems to solve real-world engineering and computer science problems.
Jan 30
Prostate Cancer Research published in European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
The F3 Initiative congratulates Dr. Qiao-Hong Chen, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Fresno State, on the recent publication of her team’s groundbreaking research in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
Jan 19
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