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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.
Join us at Terra Madre in Sacramento
Join us in Sacramento as we celebrate Central Valley food, culture, and community on an international stage at Terra Madre! Our ‘Taste of California’ pavilion will showcase the diverse flavors, producers, and practices shaping a resilient food system.
Sep 20, 2025
SF-ADAPT Quarterly Meeting: Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
Join our next SF-ADAPT (Small Farm Alliance to Develop Appropriate Technology) meeting, taking place on Monday, September 29th at UCCE Merced (2145 Wardrobe Ave.) from 12-2:30 PM. This quarter's topic focuses on water, climate, and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
Sep 15, 2025
Sherman Produce Market Receives CDFA Food Hub Planning Grant
Sherman Produce Market, a Black-owned, producer-led food hub in Southwest Fresno, has been selected as one of 12 awardees under the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Program.
Sep 8, 2025
National Farmers Market Week
It’s National Farmers Market Week (August 3-9, 2025)! The Central Valley is overflowing with fresh, locally-grown melons, peaches, nectarines, plums, berries, grapes, apples, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, radishes, and more. Visit your local farmers market this week and every week to taste the bounty!
Aug 4, 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
Central Valley Watermelon Tasting
Sherman Produce Market is hosting its 2nd Annual Central Valley Watermelon Tasting on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 1062 Martin Ave, Fresno, CA 93706. This free, family-friendly event will bring the community together to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of the Central Valley, featuring locally grown melons, exciting entertainment, and activities.
Jul 18, 2025
F3 R&D Spotlight Video: Jujube and the Pits
Meet Jujube and the Pits, a team of mechanical engineering students from UC Merced who teamed up with UCANR to take on a unique challenge...designing a machine to efficiently pit a lesser-known fruit grown here in the Valley: jujubes!
Jul 8, 2025
SF-ADAPT Meeting Features CoolVeg Innovation for Small Farms
SF-ADAPT hosted its second meeting - this time bringing together Central Valley farmers and agricultural professionals for a deep dive into CoolVeg - an evaporative cooling solution tailored to small-scale operations.
Jul 8, 2025
VINE Connect Field Day Showcases Real-World Agtech Solutions
Nearly 100 growers, researchers, and ag professionals gathered at the UC ANR West Side Research & Extension Center in Fresno County for the latest VINE Connect Field Day—an immersive, hands-on agtech showcase.
Jul 2, 2025
SF-ADAPT Second Meeting
Join us for a special session with Dr. Eric Verploegen, lead of the CoolVeg project, as he presents an innovative, low-cost cold storage solution for fruits and vegetables.
Jun 23, 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
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 29, 2025
Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee (June 28)
The Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee is Back! Join us on Saturday, June 28 at the Kingsburg Historical Park for one of the most delicious events of the summer.
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 23, 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
Central Valley Food Business Survey
The University of California ANR and F3 Local offer free support to local food businesses and small farmers in the Central Valley. They would like to hear from you about what your food business needs are. Take the survey by May 13th!
May 1, 2025
'Fiesta Friday' Celebrates Culture, Community, & Local Food Vendors
Cultiva La Salud hosted its first Fiesta Friday event in honor of Cesar Chavez Day at the future site of the Community Kitchen in Central Fresno. The parking lot was transformed into a vibrant gathering place filled with delicious food, music, and community. The event was a show of support for local entrepreneurs working hard to build thriving street food businesses.
Apr 10, 2025
SF-ADAPT Hosts First Informational Session
F3 Local hosted the first informational session of SF-ADAPT (Small Farm Alliance to Develop Appropriate Technology). This launch meeting brought together a diverse group of small-scale farmers, engineers, researchers, and ag professionals to begin building a shared vision for more accessible, affordable, and practical technology that meets the real needs of California’s small farms.
Apr 3, 2025
Rooted in Place: CAFF Small Farm Conference
Learn about CAFF's Small Conference and watch a recap video from the San Joaquin Regional Gathering at Merced College.
Mar 11, 2025
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