Central Valley Food Economy Summit

On October 17, 2025, attendees gathered at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District for the Central Valley Food Economy Summit, hosted by F3 Local. The one-day event, with more than 80 RSVPs, focused on how investments in food industry infrastructure - like shared kitchens and processing centers - can help create a vibrant, resilient, and equitable local economy.

The day began with a powerful keynote by Libby Christensen of Colorado State Extension, who explored how local food infrastructure directly supports economic and community development. Attendees then heard from Ashley Colpaart, CEO of The Food Corridor, who outlined best practices and business models for shared kitchen success.

A panel titled Flavor-Driven Economic Growth brought together leaders from across the country—including El Pajaro CDC, ACENet, Alchemist Kitchen, Clovis Culinary Center, and Rosa Brothers—to share their insights on launching and sustaining food hubs, kitchens, and processing centers. These panelists highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of supporting small food businesses.

In the afternoon, participants rolled up their sleeves for regional roundtable workshops to map out existing food assets and identify solutions tailored to their communities. From food entrepreneurs and growers to local officials and nonprofit leaders, the summit created space for new connections and meaningful conversations.

The summit was all about building a stronger local food system from the ground up. By investing in the people and infrastructure that power our food economy, we’re helping create jobs, improve health, and drive long-term prosperity for the Central Valley. Attendees left energized and inspired to apply what they learned to their own organizations and communities, and a few lucky raffle winners walked away with delicious locally made products!

Stay tuned for a recap video on the Central Valley Food Economy Summit and access to data slides from panelists and presenters. Visit f3local.org to get involved in future events and programs.