ABOUT

The Local Farm and Food Innovation (F3 Local) initiative stimulates inclusive, economic growth for Central Valley farmers and food entrepreneurs by fostering technology advancements and adoption, enterprise growth, and strengthening the local food system. This is accomplished by offering capacity-building support, technical guidance, market access, innovation, and access to capital. F3 Local specifically emphasizes the exploration of technology adoption and production opportunities for small-scale farmers and producers, especially those belonging to the region’s historically underserved food and farming communities. F3 Local seeks to stimulate job growth in small businesses, involve producers in technology development to enhance profitability and sustainability, expedite the increase of new exports, and cultivate a robust local food economy that bolsters small-scale producers while boosting community well-being and public health.

THE CENTRAL VALLEY

F3 Local seeks to revolutionize California’s Central Valley as a food-producing powerhouse. As the unrivaled food production region of the country, the Central Valley offers several assets and opportunities:

25% of the nation’s food is produced in the Central Valley
60% of the nation’s fruits and nuts and 30% of its vegetables are produced here
$70B in total revenue is the annual output of the region’s agricultural economy

However, the region struggles to spur, adopt, and commercialize innovation:

The region experiences the 3rd worst food hardship in the U.S.
22% of the residents live below the federal poverty line
The region suffers severe environmental degradation, threatening the stability and resiliency of the Central Valley - and the nation’s independent food supply

IMPACT

Increased productivity and efficiency by providing farmers with access to technology, equipment, training and resources, leading to strengthening local economies.
Enhanced agricultural practices by offering training programs and education, enabling them to adopt best practices and stay updated on the latest advancements in agriculture
Job creation that positively impacts rural employment rates and contributes to overall economic growth.
Market access and competitiveness by creating access to new markets, both locally and internationally and enhancing competitiveness.
Resilience to economic challenges by fostering sustainable growth, technological innovation, and improved livelihoods within the agricultural sector and the communities it serves.

GOALS BY 2026

3,000 local, small-scale, agrifood business owners supported

1,000 new jobs created in the region’s agrifood industry

300 new small scale, agrifood businesses established

40% adoption rate of new sustainable technologies

$2.5M in new annual sales for regional small farmers

$250M non-public investments across F3 to support a vibrant local food economy