Central Valley Community Foundation

The F3 (Farms Food Future) Initiative

A man farming his land. There are big water irrigation systems to be seen behind him.

The F3 (Farms Food Future) Initiative is supporting agriculture in California’s Central Valley by developing new ag technology, growing food sustainably using regenerative farming practices, and offering cutting-edge training for quality jobs in the world’s food production capital.

The F3 Initiative was awarded $65 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge in September 2022 – the largest federal grant ever awarded to California’s Central Valley. Despite being the unrivaled food production region in the United States, the Central Valley struggles to spur, adopt, and commercialize innovation. To address these challenges, the F3 Initiative is positioning the Central Valley’s ag-based industry and farmers to be competitive, resilient, and sustainable.

The F3 Initiative is a system of three robust programs, called gears: F3 Innovate, F3 Local, and AgTEC Workforce. F3 Innovate is the nation’s hub for climate-smart agrifood technology and engineering, and is developing university-industry research for the growers and communities who need it most. The F3 Innovate gear includes a dedicated non-profit organization to support entrepreneurs, advance commercialization, build up the innovation ecosystem, and catalyze research collaborations. F3 Local connects small-scale farmers, food entrepreneurs, and communities with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships they need to grow. The F3 Local gear provides access to appropriate technology, business support, and local market connections—building a more inclusive and resilient food economy. AgTEC Workforce is developing a skilled workforce pipeline for sustainable food production and manufacturing. The AgTEC gear bridges the skills gap and prepares individuals for the future of agriculture technology, with an opportunity to obtain an AgSystems Certificate through local community colleges.

Together with its broad network of partners, F3 is supporting efforts to increase regional GDP from 2.1% to 3.0% annually, attract $250M in private investment, and create and/or fill more than 10,000 quality jobs.

Foundation’s Role
The F3 Initiative emerged from the Fresno DRIVE Initiative, and CVCF serves as the backbone organization providing support for collaboration, strategic planning, fundraising, and evaluation of results. 

Geographic Focus
Central San Joaquin Valley – Fresno, Madera, Merced, Tulare, and Kings Counties

F3 Website
A man examines oranges on a tree using a handheld robotic device equipped with sensors and mechanical parts, likely conducting agricultural research or testing fruit-harvesting technology in an orchard.
A smiling person stands behind a booth at an outdoor fair, engaging with a group of attendees. The table displays brochures and informational materials.
Graduates in red caps and gowns walk on grass, smiling. Green sashes read "AG TECHNOLOGY." A cheering crowd blurs in the background, conveying celebration.

Partners

  • UC Merced
  • Fresno State University
  • UC Ag and Natural Resources
  • Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation
  • Merced College
  • Reedley College
  • Madera College
  • Clovis College
  • Fresno City College
  • Lemoore College
  • Coalinga College
  • Community Alliance with Family Farmers
  • Fresno Metro Ministry
  • Cultiva La Salud
  • California Farmworker Foundation
  • And nearly a dozen industry associations representing over 400,000 growers and workers