F3: Farms. Food. Future.
Fresno DRIVE’s F3 Initiative (Farms Food Future) will fund a Climate-Smart Agrifood Technology and Engineering Cluster based on capabilities in digitalization and data science, mechatronics, equipment, and systems testing and integration for agrifood applications. The F3 portfolio drives both economic growth and equity – spurring inclusive innovation and commercialization with supports that proactively engage small farmers and entrepreneurs alongside multinational companies; building a seamless talent development pipeline; and catalyzing local market growth of the small-scale farm and food industry. This robust portfolio will address economic, agricultural, and climate challenges, positioning our Valley’s ag-based industry and farmers to be competitive, resilient, and sustainable.
The F3 Initiative was submitted to the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) in October 2021. The EDA received 529 applications from regions in all 50 states and five territories. In January 2022, F3 was named one of 60 national finalists. On Friday, September 2nd at 8:00 a.m. PST, the White House announced its BBBRC awardees, and named F3 as a recipient of $65.1 Million in funding, the largest Federal grant ever awarded to the Central Valley.
Build Back Better
Regional Challenge
The challenge is assisting communities nationwide in their efforts to accelerate economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and build local economies that are resilient to future economic shocks. The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is the largest economic development initiative from the U.S. Department of Commerce in decades.
Coalition Partners
Key coalition partners include the California Department of Food and Agriculture, University of California, Merced; Fresno State; the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Fresno Metro Ministry; Cultiva La Salud; and the community colleges serving the five-county region.
F3's Areas of Focus
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.
