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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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Apply for the VINE Connect Field Program

Applications are open for VINE Connect’s next cohort, focused on soil health in California row crops. This three-month program is built for agtech startups with market ready solutions that are looking for real world validation, deeper grower engagement, and a path to scaling in California.

May 28, 2025

F3 Spotlight: Luis Elizondo of Madera's Queen Honey

Watch our spotlight video on Luis Elizondo, owner of Madera’s Queen Honey and board member of F3 Innovate. Luis is a business owner, family man, and an advocate for small farmers and sustainable agriculture in California’s Central Valley.

May 22, 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

April 24: Ag Bag Meeting at UC Merced

Join faculty, staff, researchers, grad students, and post-docs at the next Ag Bag meeting at UC Merced and help strengthen the ag community.

Apr 21, 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

F3 Innovate Welcomes Mandy Breuer

F3 Innovate (F3i) is thrilled to welcome Mandy Breuer to our growing team as the new Director of Talent Programs. In her role, she will spearhead the design and launch of talent development programs—including fellowships, internships, and youth engagement opportunities—that will empower the next generation of ag-tech leaders in the Central Valley and beyond.

Apr 18, 2025

Fresno State F3 Spring Symposium

On Friday, April 4, Fresno State hosted a Spring R&D Symposium, spotlighting student researchers and their innovative projects funded through the F3 Initiative. Held at the Jordan Agricultural Research Center, the event brought together faculty, students, and F3 partners to showcase how Fresno State’s next generation of ag leaders are advancing climate-smart technologies and applied research in agriculture.

Apr 8, 2025