This EDA investment supports the fresno-merced future of food innovation (F3) coalition, led by the central valley community foundation, with driving agriculture innovation in california's central…

This $20.6 million project grant from the Department of Commerce Economic Adjustment Assistance (CFDA 11.307) program supports driving agricultural innovation in California's Central Valley. Awarded on October 1, 2022 to the University of California Office of the President with completion by September 30, 2026, the grant establishes iCreate, an ag-tech hub to accelerate technology transfer between researchers and farmers. It also provides community colleges access to new technology and training to equip students and workers with skills for higher quality, higher paying jobs in ag-tech. Four sub-awards totaling $20.6 million support related initiatives. Fresno Metropolitan Ministry will address food insecurity. Cultiva La Salud will support mobile food vendors and a shared-use community kitchen. Community Alliance with Family Farmers will facilitate technology adoption and sales for small farms, and develop regional identity and demand for local foods.

This EDA investment supports the fresno-merced future of food innovation (F3) coalition, led by the central valley community foundation, with driving agriculture innovation in california's central valley by accelerating the integration of technology and skills in the region's agriculture industry-improving productivity and job quality for existing farmworkers while driving a more resilient and sustainable food system. The projects funded as part of this award include the launch of icreate, a new AG-tech hub, with the mission to accelerate the development and transfer of technology between researchers at local universities and farmers across the region. At the same time, community colleges throughout the central valley will receive access to new technology and training to equip students and workers with the skills needed to access higher quality, higher paying jobs in AG-tech-improving both farm productivity and wages. Once implemented, the investment will help develop and strengthen regional industry clusters - all while embracing economic equity, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. Competitiveness globally.