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 Edward
“Ed” Baloian, a California produce pioneer, will be recognized Feb. 27
by the Ag One Foundation at California State University, Fresno for his
support of the state’s agriculture industry.
He will be honored as the 13th Community Salute recipient during the Ag
One Community Salute Award Dinner at 7 p.m. at Pardini’s Catering and
Banquets (2257 W. Shaw Ave.).
Proceeds from the event will establish the Ag One – Edward “Ed” Baloian
Endowment Fund to benefit students pursuing a degree at Fresno State’s
Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
Baloian, who is the chairman of Baloian Farms, has devoted more than 60
years to the California produce industry. His father founded the
full-service produce business in 1923 and Ed and his brother James
Baloian joined him as partners in the business in 1945 after returning
from World War II military service.
In 1965, they established Pam Pak Distributors to package and market
fresh vegetables from a large number of local growers who supplied
Charles Baloian Co. Other labels include Marty Boy, Balo and Valley
Jewels. The Baloians began private farming operations three years later.
In 1985, Ed Baloian and his son, Tim, created Baloian Packing, which
continued the efforts of Pam Pak and became regarded as a leading
California grower, shipper and packer of bell peppers, lettuce,
eggplant, red onions, melons and squash.
From company headquarters in Fresno, Ed Baloian’s leadership has
expanded the business across the United States and into Canada, Mexico
and Chile.
In addition to much industry recognition over the years, he received the
Central California Excellence in Business Award for his perseverance in
leading Baloian Farms back to success after his company was destroyed by
arson in the early 1990s.
The Ag One salute dinner is open to the public and begins with a social
hour at 6 p.m. Reservations are $100 per person and $1,000 per table.
Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $5,000.
For information about Ag One or for ticket reservations, call
559.278.4266.
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