Strengthening the Central Valley's local food economy
F3 Local is a regional initiative working to build a more inclusive and resilient food economy in California's San Joaquin Valley. Through practical programs grounded in the realities of small-scale agriculture, F3 Local connects farmers, food entrepreneurs, and community members to the tools, training, and markets they need to grow.
Why this work matters
Small-scale farmers and food entrepreneurs are essential to the Central Valley's agricultural identity, but they often operate without access to the technology, infrastructure, and business support that larger operations take for granted. F3 Local closes that gap, making innovation practical, affordable, and locally relevant.
Who F3 Local serves
Small-scale farmers
Growers working to reduce costs, save time, and reach new markets through appropriate technology and peer networks.
Food entrepreneurs
Producers and vendors navigating licensing, shared-kitchen access, and the path from idea to shelf.
Community members
Residents looking to support local food systems through events, volunteer opportunities, and direct connections to small farms.
What F3 Local does
F3 Local operates two complementary tracks, designed to meet producers and entrepreneurs where they are.
Farm-focused programs
SF-ADAPT
A collaborative network connecting farmers, researchers, engineers, and agtech developers to co-create tools that are affordable, scalable, and effective for small farms.
Small Farm Innovation Challenge
An open call for ideas that solve real-world farming problems. Winners receive funding, mentorship, and recognition.
Equipment Lending Library
Specialized farm tools available to borrow without the high upfront cost. Located at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier.
Small Farms Tech Hub
One-on-one guidance to support business growth, technology adoption, and access to funding, including market development, digital tools, and resource referrals.
Farm Research and Innovation
On-farm trials with researchers to test and adopt new approaches to irrigation, soil health, and crop management.
Food-focused programs
Wrap Around Business Services
Personalized coaching to help food entrepreneurs start or grow their venture, covering business planning, operations, and funding options.
Local Food Marketing Assistance
Visibility support through regional branding, pop-ups, social campaigns, and introductions to retailers and institutional buyers.
Food System Infrastructure Study
Research advancing infrastructure projects that support local farmers and food entrepreneurs across the Valley.
Food Entrepreneurship Academy
A training program covering food business fundamentals, tailored to mobile food vendors and early-stage entrepreneurs.
Small Farm Food Aggregation Hubs
Coordinated distribution channels that connect small farmers with institutional buyers and reliable local sourcing partners.
About the F3 Initiative
F3 Local is part of the broader F3 Initiative, awarded federal funding in 2022 through the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Build Back Better Regional Challenge. The initiative positions the Central Valley's agricultural and food industries to be more competitive, resilient, and sustainable, with F3 Local serving as the on-the-ground arm focused on small farms and food businesses.
Learn more about the F3 Initiative
Get in touch
Talk to us
Whether you farm a few acres, run a food business, or want to collaborate, we'd love to hear from you. Tracy Celio, Regional Director, is the front door.