Lending Library
The Lending Library offers short-term access to specialized farm tools and equipment, helping small-scale farmers in California’s Central Valley reduce upfront costs and experiment with new technologies before committing to purchase. Housed at the Kearney Agricultural Research & Extension Center (KARE) in Parlier, the Lending Library is designed to support the adoption of climate-smart, labor-saving, and scale-appropriate innovations that can increase productivity and sustainability on smaller farms.
Equipment will be available starting in Early Fall 2025. Farmers will be able to browse inventory and submit borrowing requests through an online portal (coming soon. All borrowers are required to complete a brief orientation and safety training before checking out equipment.
Who It Serves
The program serves small- and mid-sized farmers across California’s Central Valley, with a particular focus on under-resourced growers in Fresno, Merced, Madera, Tulare, and Kings Counties. It is designed for farmers seeking access to tools that support sustainability, efficiency, and profitability, but who face financial or logistical barriers to acquisition.
Key Features
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Equipment Lending Library – A curated collection of agtech tools and farm equipment is available for short-term use, allowing farmers to trial innovations before purchasing.
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Hands-On Training – Borrowers receive technical support and in-field demonstrations at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center to ensure safe and effective tool use.
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Ongoing Maintenance – Equipment is managed, serviced, and stored by Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center staff to ensure functionality and safety between uses.
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Demonstration Events – New tools are introduced through field days and group trainings, encouraging knowledge exchange and peer learning.
Partners
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UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR)
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Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE)
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Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)
Contact
Helle Peterson
Regional Director
hepeterson@ucanr.edu​​