When Fresno State agricultural supporters talk about the impact of the 1,000-acre University Agricultural Laboratory, new Ag One Foundation President Jason Baldwin understands how it can directly shape the future of students.

Baldwin, the chief operating officer for Panoche Creek Packing, graduated from Fresno State in 1997. As a Fresno State agricultural education student, the Madera native quickly learned its impact while working at its beef cattle, equine, sheep, swine and ag operations units. 

“The animal science and ag education faculty shared their passion for agriculture with me and really shaped my future,” Baldwin said. “I didn’t have much background with livestock, but they gave me the direction and confidence to learn how to work hard and develop new skills. These experiences were key for my career, especially since the agriculture profession and its needs are always changing.” 

After graduation, he initially worked as a safety coordinator for Frank Logoluso Farms and its diversified table grape, nut and stone fruit operation. He continued to expand his appreciation for how the Central Valley raises hundreds of commodities as a grower relations representative for the Nisei Farmers League and as an executive director for the Madera County Farm Bureau.

The latter role led to an offer to join Panoche Creek Packing in 2004. The Kerman-based company is a leading almond processor that offers farming, marketing and sales services.

Baldwin joined the Ag One board at the suggestion of Roger Isom, a former Ag One president who is also president and CEO of the Western Tree Nut Association and California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association.

“I work every day with Fresno State alumni so there’s an obvious pride to being a Bulldog,” Baldwin said, “and this is a great way to reconnect with the college and university. Roger stressed how Ag One is committed to creating ways to support students financially, just like working on the campus farm did for me, and helping them on their career paths.”

Baldwin’s first official event in his new role will be the annual Ag Boosters BBQ and Fantasy Vacation Drawing on Sunday, Sept. 13, at George’s River Ranch (8805 CA Highway 41).

During his one-year appointment, he will share Ag One oversight on the board with his predecessor, Fendley Ragland, an investment associate at Prudential Agricultural Investments who remains on the board for one year.

Other newly elected executive board officers include:

• Patrick Murphy, vice president (Fresno, Longwind Cropsciences USA).
• Daniel Hartwig, treasurer (Clovis, Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group).
• Suzanne Devereaux-McKinstrie, chief executive officer (Fresno, Center for Produce Safety).

In addition, new members of the 23-person board include: 

• Denise Skidmore, (Atwater, Hilmar Cheese Company).
• Jon Underdown (Fresno, Alliant Insurance Services).

Through events, corporate and individual support, Ag One has raised over $38 million since 1979 to support campus agricultural programs. For the 2026-27 academic year, Ag One will provide more than $1 million to deserving Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology students and programs.

Other key aspects of Ag One are its industry ties that have led to new student resources, such as the Western Tree Nut Association Processing Laboratory, which was completed in 2022. 

Isom helped lead the drive to organize the donation of $800,000 worth of equipment for the facility that gives students hands-on experience in operation, maintenance and safety training that is vital for the future workforce of the nation’s leading agricultural area and companies like Baldwin’s.

The lab followed in the footsteps of the Bee Sweet Citrus Fresh Fruit Packing Line and Laboratory. It also was the first of its kind in 2017 on a college campus, and offers a class taught by Bee Sweet Citrus general manager Thomas Marderosian, who knows the equipment first-hand.

“Ag One’s connections impact the industry in so many ways,” Baldwin said. “Giving students training with this specialized equipment (in the nut and citrus labs) is a prime example of how Fresno State is creating employees who allow companies to keep up with growing demand to feed the Valley and the world.” 

For more information about the Ag One Foundation, its programs and upcoming events, contact 559.278.4266 or agone@csufresno.edu.