Impacts

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 and sustainable, with F3 Local serving as the key driver of support for small-scale farms and food businesses. F3's work encompasses the Counties of Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings and Tulare with funding through May of 2027.

Expanding Economic Opportunity Through Technical Assistance

• Cultiva La Salud strengthens Fresno County’s local food economy by supporting mobile food entrepreneurs through outreach, workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance
• Fresno Metro Ministry’s Food to Share initiative expands the recovery and redistribution of fresh, nutritious food for residents experiencing food insecurity across the region
• F3 Local is leading a Food Infrastructure Feasibility Study to identify infrastructure investments that stand to strengthen the regional supply chains and improve market opportunities
• F3 Local provides free, one-on-one technical assistance and workshops for food entrepreneurs and farmers related to business planning, marketing, startup and compliance support, product development, and funding navigation for loans and grants.

Strengthening Market Access

• The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) expands market opportunities for small- and mid-scale farmers by strengthening local food hubs and facilitating connections with institutional buyers.
• Through business planning, farmer-to-farmer events, buyer site visits, food safety training, market roundtables, and a Local Food Expo, the initiative builds the resources to increase local food procurement.
• Central to the Valley Marketing Campaign and brand identity, developed as part of F3 Local, strengthens regional collaboration by uniting key agricultural and food system stakeholders under a shared identity.

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Research-Based Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture

• F3 Local advances adoption of agroecological farming practices through applied research, including field trials. The program generates practical knowledge that helps farmers adapt to current challenges, including water scarcity, climate variability, and changing regulations.
• Current research examines intercropping in young almond orchards, the potential ecosystem benefits of whole orchard recycling, and winter cover cropping in vineyards and organic jujube orchards.
• Findings are shared through scientific publications, extension and education trainings which serve to translate research into practical solutions for growers and producers

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Supporting Accessible Innovations and Appropriate Technology

• A Small Farms & the Future of Ag Tech needs assessment identifies priority technology needs, examines obstacles to development and adoption, and highlights opportunities for investment, collaboration, and innovation for small farmers.
• The Small Farm Alliance to Develop Appropriate Technology (SF-ADAPT) addresses key challenges related to cold storage solutions, irrigation management, and farmer-led DIY innovations. By connecting diverse expertise with practical needs, SF-ADAPT accelerates farmer-centered innovation.

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Reducing Barriers to Equipment Access

• The Equipment Lending Program increases access to shared agricultural equipment for small-scale farmers.
• The program provides general safety and hands-on training for individual pieces of equipment.
• The program is expected to serve 75–100 growers annually and support more than 150 lending transactions per year as operations scale.

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