Debbie Jacobsen accepts her Distinguished Service Award from California Farm Bureau Federation President Jamie Johansson. Photo via FCFB

Debbie Jacobsen, a third-generation farmer and first woman president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, was honored by the California Farm Bureau Federation for her lifelong contributions to agriculture.

Her Distinguished Service Award was announced this week during the California Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Orange County.

Jacobsen served for 19 years on the Fresno County Farm Bureau board, including as president from 2002 to 2004. She was also a district director, finance committee chair and executive committee member for the California Farm Bureau, which serves 31,000 members statewide.

With husband Ray Jacobsen, Debbie owns and operates J&L Vineyard, a raisin and wine grape farm near Easton. Son Ryan Jacobsen is CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau.

“Debbie’s service to farmers and ranchers started with her community leadership in Fresno County and the San Joaquin Valley and, over the years, she has become a leading advocate for all of California agriculture,” said Jamie Johansson, California Farm Bureau president.

Jacobsen also served for 15 years on the board of directors for the Big Fresno Fair, a governor-level appointment first made by Arnold Schwarzenegger and later Jerry Brown.