The Agriculturalist of the Year award is presented to an individual or individuals who have contributed extensively, in a professional capacity, to California’s agricultural industry.

Award criteria stipulates the individual or individuals must have demonstrated leadership and clearly represented the industry over a number of years in one or more of the following areas: production agriculture, education, labor, and research. The individual can be from any area of the agriculture industry. The individual will not be judged on his/her contributions to the State Fair. All Nominees will remain in nomination for one year after their formal introduction.

In celebrating the tradition and innovation of the State’s number one industry, agriculture, the California State Fair Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Agricultural Advisory Council, selects the Agriculturalist of the Year.