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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.
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
Fresno Pacific University to Launch Ag Leadership Certificate
A new Ag Leadership Certificate is being offered at Fresno Pacific University. The non-credit program offers an opportunity to earn a professional certificate, build valuable connections with leaders in ag and gain industry knowledge. The seven-week program will be held at FPU on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. beginning August 21, 2026, through October 2, 2026.
Apr 9
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
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
AgTEC Career Fair - June 4
The F3 Initiative’s AgTEC Workforce program is bringing students and employers together for an exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and grow at the upcoming AgTEC Career Fair. All AgTEC students from across the region’s community colleges are encouraged to attend and explore the wide range of career opportunities available.
Mar 31
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
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