Jason Baldwin

Jason Baldwin is FCFB Tree Nuts Commodity Chairman

Jason Baldwin, of Madera, did not grow up in an agriculture operation, but being surrounded by friends who lived in nearby farms, he was exposed to the opportunities within the industry. It was at Madera High School where he found his niche in the Ag Shop. “I loved building things and I loved the shop work,” Baldwin said.

After Baldwin graduated in 1991from Madera High School, he decided to pursue that niche at California State University, Fresno. He graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education with an emphasis in agricultural mechanics.
Baldwin credited Fresno State for the additional exposure to other areas of agriculture, including animal science, plant science and economics. He said he was never exposed to these subjects growing up, and for this reason, it was a benefit to go through the program. He spent his last two years at Fresno State working part-time at the school farm working in a variety of different areas, including the swine unit, equine unit and row crops.

However, while Baldwin was going through the credential program, he decided that teaching wasn’t for him. At this point, he was already working for farmer Frank Logoluso as a truck driver. Upon graduation, he was offered the safety director position, working with compliance, employee relations such as worker’s compensation issues, and OSHA training. Logoluso, who was involved with Nisei Farmers League (Nisei), recommended that Baldwin apply for the growers’ relation position at Nisei. Baldwin applied and got the job.

At Nisei, Baldwin learned a tremendous amount about the industry. “I enjoyed assisting farmers with their challenges,” he said. He was able to take the safety training he acquired at Logoluso’s and apply it to his position at Nisei.

At this time, the position for executive director became available at Madera County Farm Bureau. At the urging of some Madera County farmers, Baldwin applied and was appointed executive director at the ripe age of 28.

It became clear that Baldwin was destined for a career in agriculture after growing up with few ties to the industry.

After four years as the executive director, an MCFB Board Member and owner of the Kerman-based Panoche Creek Packing, was so impressed with Baldwin’s work that he asked if Baldwin was willing to accept a position at his company.

Three years later, Baldwin remains as the chief operating officer for Panoche, one of the top positions in the company. He is directly in charge of the processing and packing operation, and oversees as many as 140 employees during peak season.

Panoche Creek Packing, family-owned and operated, has been marketing almonds for growers since 1982. Today, Panoche Creek Packing is one of the largest almond handlers in the industry.
Baldwin say he has enjoyed his position since coming on board three years ago. “There is something new every day,” he said.

Baldwin believes his previous experience at Farm Bureau and Nisei have helped him with his current operation. “I have dealt with a lot of regulatory agencies, so I can see both sides of the issue as it relates to the business.” Working for these various organizations has allowed him to become objective and forward-thinking when it comes to working with employees on various projects.

Although Baldwin has been exposed to a variety of issues, he believes water is the most pressing issue. “The state is 40 years behind in terms of developing new water storage. We also need a resolution on the Delta pump issue.” Baldwin works directly with Panoche CEO Dennis Prosperi, who is heavily involved with agriculture water issues.

While water is important to all agriculture commodities, it is especially important to almonds, because of the capital investment put into the almond trees, a permanent crop. Water is essential to protect an almond grower’s investment; the trees can’t go without water for any part of the year.

After transferring from MCFB to Panoche, Baldwin was asked by FCFB Past President Debbie Jacobson and Past Executive Director Karla Fullerton to join FCFB’s Board of Directors. He has been on the Board for three years at the Tree Nuts Commodity Chairman.

“Agriculture is what feeds the world,” Baldwin said. “We have to have a domestic supply of food. If you don’t maintain it, you are going to lose it.”

Starting a family

Baldwin has been married to Heidi for four years. They have two daughters, Delaney, three, and Reece, who was born in November. “It’s been exciting,” Baldwin said about his two daughters. Heidi, who grew up in Visalia, teaches Special Ed at the Fresno County Office of Education. Baldwin met Heidi when she was working for a cell phone company while attending Fresno State. When he went into the store looking for a new cell phone, needless-to-say, he came out with a great deal!

When Baldwin finds time, his favorite hobby is to play golf. “I started playing with friends in high school, and haven’t stopped playing since,” he said. He golfs in Madera and at country clubs with friends in between work and spending time with his family.

In addition to golf, Baldwin is a big fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and the San Diego Chargers football team. If time allows, he will occasionally fish or hunt.

Regardless, Baldwin said his main priority will always be his family.

Meet Your Board Members Profile: Ag Today, Dec 07

By: John Migliazzo