top of page
F3i Launches Supercomputing Center at Fresno State: Learn more & access the portal
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.
New Nonprofit 'Offer Kindness' Rescues Food and Feeds it to the Community
Learn about the new nonprofit organization, Offer Kindness, that gleans local produce from going to waste and distributes it to hungry neighbors. Along with other donation channels, gleaning offers a remedy for on-farm food loss by harvesting crops that producers cannot or choose not to sell.
5 days ago
Business Launchpad for Farmers, Ranchers, & Food Vendors (Fall 2026)
Are you a small- to mid-size food or farm business that needs help with your business finances or operations? Apply today for Business Launchpad - Growing Resilient Roots For Food, Farm and Ranch Businesses. We are recruiting up to 40 participants across the state to be part of a 9-week virtual cohort in Fall 2026.
Jul 20
Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee & Small Farm Expo (Video)
The 18th Annual Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee & Small Farm Expo brought hundreds of visitors to Kingsburg Historical Park to celebrate the Central Valley’s organic stone fruit growers and the bounty of the summer harvest.
Jul 17
Join 'Central to the Valley' as a Brand Ambassador
We're Hiring! Do you love meeting new people, supporting local agriculture, and representing a mission you believe in? Central to the Valley is looking for a Brand Ambassador (affectionately known as a Boothinator) to help us connect communities with the farmers and food businesses that make the San Joaquin Valley extraordinary.
Jul 14
Bolstering Rural Food Economies and Connecting Community through Agritourism
For small producers in a precarious world, innovation and adaptation are important to a healthy and resilient farm business. Agritourism enterprises offer small farmers an opportunity to expand their business model, increase their visibility, and connect to the local community.
Jul 14
In the News: Kingsburg reaps great times at Stone Fruit Jubilee
Mid Valley Times: On June 27, attendees filled Kingsburg Historical Park for the 18th Annual Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee and Small Farm Expo. From 4-7:30 p.m., the park hosted farmers, vendors and musical acts while guests filled their bags to the brim with organic fruit.
Jun 30
What is 'Central to the Valley'?
Central to the Valley has developed a Buying Guide—a public, searchable resource that helps residents find farms, farmers markets, retailers, and restaurants that source locally grown food across the region. The Buying Guide is designed to make it easier to identify where food comes from and to support businesses that are part of the Central Valley’s agricultural economy.
Jun 23
Central Valley Food Economy Summit (Video & Survey)
Watch the recap video of the Central Valley Food Economy Summit, which brought together food entrepreneurs, farmers, nonprofit leaders, and more to explore how investments in food system infrastructure can strengthen our local economy. We also encourage food businesses, farmers, processors, and community partners to participate in the Mapping California Food System Infrastructure survey.
Jun 11
'Central to the Valley' Toolkits Now Available
'Central to the Valley' Toolkits have launched, designed to help partners across the food system successfully onboard into the Central to the Valley brand. These toolkits include: social media assets, messaging guidance, marketing templates, promotional materials, brand resources, and more.
May 28
June 27: Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee & Small Farm Expo (Promo Video)
Get ready to taste the best of the Central Valley harvest at the 18th Annual Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee & Small Farm Expo, taking place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Kingsburg Historical Park.
May 26
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
Request for Proposals: 'Central to the Valley' Implementation Project
Following the launch of the Central to the Valley brand, the F3 Initiative is excited to announce a new Request for Proposals (RFP) to support the next phase of this work. CVCF, through the F3 Initiative, is seeking an organization, marketing firm, consultant, or team to help bring the Central to the Valley brand to life across the five-county region. Proposals are due by May 8, 2026.
Apr 23
Video: Central to the Valley - Campaign Launch
The new Central to the Valley brand campaign officially launched in Ivanhoe, California, bringing together farmers, growers, and community partners to celebrate a new regional brand focused on strengthening connections to Central Valley agriculture. This video captures the launch event and highlights how the campaign is working to elevate local farmers, increase demand for regionally grown food, and build a more resilient, community-centered food system.
Apr 17
Organic Farming in the San Joaquin Valley: Optimizing Soil Health and Managing Pests
On March 13th, F3 Local co-hosted a field day for organic and organic-transitioning growers with Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) and UCANR's Climate Smart Agriculture program. This event brought together many local farmers and service providers for a full morning of soil education, organic pest management strategies, and resource sharing.
Apr 11
Farmer/Buyer Mixer (Video)
Connecting farmers to markets is key to building a strong local food system. At the Farmer/Buyer Mixer, hosted by Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) with support from F3 Local, small farmers from across the Central Valley came together with regional buyers to build relationships, talk through seasonal needs, and create sales opportunities for their businesses.
Apr 9
Compost Caravan & Spreader Training
Join us on May 6th for a Farmer Compost Day event, hosted by the Association of Compost Producers, featuring F3 Local equipment sharing/compost spreading training, on-farm compost workshop, and additional resources.
Apr 8
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
F3 Local Launches 'Central to the Valley' Regional Brand
F3 Local and CAFF celebrated the official launch of "Central to the Valley", a new regional brand designed to amplify connection to Central Valley agriculture and highlight the farmers at the heart of our food system.
Mar 13
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
bottom of page