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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.
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
F3 Local at Eco-Farm: Value-Added Food Production
Eco-Farm’s 46th annual conference was held from January 21st to 24th. This year brought together over 1,500 organic and regenerative farmers, educators, and researchers from throughout California. F3 Local made its first appearance this year, with Food Innovation and Small Business Coordinator, Yonatan Weinberg, facilitating a discussion on value-added production and processing.
Feb 26
Video Spotlight: Sherman Produce Market
Meet Donald Sherman, founder of Sherman Produce Market located in Fresno's westside community. Watch and learn about his business, his vision for growth, and his eagerness to expand and serve more farmers here in the Central Valley.
Feb 16
Video Spotlight: Fresno BIPOC Produce
Meet Keng Vang, owner of Fresno BIPOC Produce and a rising force in local ag. Thanks to a connection from the F3 Initiative, Keng secured funding from Waverley Street Foundation to purchase land and is planning to build a cold storage facility and community food hub in Fresno.
Feb 3
Needs Assessment on Tools & Technology for Small Farms in the San Joaquin Valley
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) published Small Farms and the Future of AgTech - A Needs Assessment on Tools & Technology for Small Farms in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The report aims to identify the specific technology needs of small-scale farmers here in the Valley, examining barriers that limit or slow adoption, and offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, funders, technical assistance providers, and technology developers.
Jan 23
San Joaquin Valley Farmer Gathering at CAFF’s 2026 Small Farm Conference
CAFF is bringing together farmers, food advocates, and agricultural allies for the 38th Annual Small Farm Conference. The San Joaquin Valley Farmer Gathering will be held on February 26, 2026, at Sweet Valley Produce.
Jan 16
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