Central Valley almond farmer Antonio “Tony” Campos will be the 2015 honoree at the Ag One Community Salute on July 31 at the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall.

Proceeds from the event will establish the Ag One – Antonio “Tony” Campos Endowment to support deserving students and programs in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State. Tickets are $125 per person.

Born in Orondritz, Spain, Campos emigrated from the Northern Basque region to the United States at age 17 and became a sheepherder. Four years later he and his older brothers, Esteban and Fermin, started farming in Caruthers. In 1971 they started growing almonds, and today Campos Brothers Farms is a leader in almond processing.

Campos lives on the farm with his wife, Juliet, and works side-by-side with their three children, Jeannine, Joseph and Steven. Together they manage all aspects of the company.

“Tony is a true leader and astute businessman who along with his late brothers came to the U.S. with literally two nickels in their pockets,” said Roger Sturdevant, executive vice president for Bank of the West, the event’s naming sponsor. “Through tireless work and a strong vision, they became one of the pioneers in the development of the almond industry. Through Tony’s leadership, Campos Brothers Farms has grown to be one of the largest almond producers and processors in the world.”

Tony has served on volunteer organizations such as the Almond Board of California, Raisin Bargaining Association, Raisin Administrative Committee, National Famers Organization, California Bean Advisory Board and Fresno County Farm Bureau.

He and his family have supported philanthropic organizations such as Valley Children’s Hospital, Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno, Basque Cultural Center and Caruthers High School.

“We are delighted to honor Tony Campos in this special way,” said Sandra Witte, interim dean of the Jordan College. “Guided by his traditional values, Tony continues to succeed in the agriculture industry while maintaining an active role in supporting his community, which makes him an undeniable recipient of this recognition.”

Since 1987, the Ag One Community Salute has honored individuals for their devoted service to California agriculture and food systems industries as well as their commitment to the community.

Past honorees include Phil Larson (2014), Stewart Resnick (2012), Ed Baloian (2010), Fred R. Ruiz (2007), Jack Woolf (2006), Virgil E. Rasmussen (2005), Fred Machado (2003), Bill Jones (2003), Sid Cox (2001), Rodger B. Jensen (1999), Vernon Conrad (1996), Vince Petrucci (1994), Harry Kubo (1991), Dick Markarian (1990), Joe Souza (1988) and Fred Rau (1987).

The Ag One Foundation, which started in 1979, encompasses over 100 named funds totaling about $17 million and providing about $500,000 annually to deserving students and programs.

For more information, contact 559.278.4266 or visit.