Building a Global Hub for Agriculture and Food Innovation in California’s Central Valley

California’s Central Valley feeds the nation, yet many communities closest to agriculture’s biggest challenges have historically been disconnected from the innovation economy shaping the industry’s future. This webinar explored how F3i is building a regional model for agricultural innovation by connecting growers, startups, universities, workforce partners, investors, and public agencies to solve real-world challenges together. Participants heard how F3i is advancing AI-enabled agriculture workforce development, launching new computing and capital infrastructure, and strengthening collaboration across the agricultural ecosystem to support practical, scalable innovation rooted in the Central Valley. Discussion topics included: • Grower-informed innovation and commercialization • Building integrated workforce, capital, and technology ecosystems • Developing talent pipelines for AI, cloud computing, and data science • Early lessons and opportunities for regional economic development and food system resilience This session offered valuable insights for funders, federal partners, regional innovation leaders, and peer communities of practice seeking to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems, workforce development, and agricultural resilience.