Photo via Fresno County Chamber of Commerce Facebook/ Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen and Fresno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott Miller at the 2025 Agriculture Awards

Several agricultural leaders were honored in November for their work in the ag industry and efforts to better local communities.

On Nov. 14, the Fresno Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 Agriculture Awards at the Fresno Fairgrounds,  to celebrate individuals, businesses, and advocates who helped shape and strengthen the Central Valley’s Agricultural legacy.

 The chamber presented four awards honoring the people behind the region’s most vital industry.

This year’s Agriculturalist of the Year award went to Stuart Woolf, president and CEO of Woolf Farming Company.

Woolf has been a beacon for advancing Fresno County agriculture, from pioneering sustainable crop management and investing in drought-resilient agave farming, to supporting agricultural research with significant philanthropic contributions.

The Baker Tilly Agribusiness of the Year award went to Belmont Nursery, a plant nursery in Fresno.

The Agricultural Employee of the Year award went to Edgar Blanco, vice president of operations at Hall Management Group Inc., an agricultural company based in Kerman.

The AGvocate of the Year award went to Shelly Abajian for her dedication to championing California agriculture and advocacy, bridging the gap between policy makers and rural communities.