Firebaugh farmer honored in 2024 Latino Spirit Awards
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FIREBAUGH, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Firebaugh farmer was honored by Assemblywoman Esmeralda during the 2024 Latino Spirit Awards held on the California State Assembly Floor, officials announced.
Assemblywoman Soria recognized Joe L. Del Bosque as her 2024 Latino Spirit Award Honoree. After years of migrant farm work, officials say Del Bosque’s family settled on the Westside of the San Joaquin Valley, where Joe grew up working on the farm with his father, starting when he was 10 years old.
Upon graduating from Fresno State in 1975, Del Bosque established his own melon farm in 1985, a farm that now produces organic melons, tomatoes, almonds, and cherries.
Del Bosque, according to officials, has been a strong vocal advocate for farmers and farmworkers impacted by water policies. He was appointed to serve on the California Water Commission in 2012 and he now serves on the Ag Foundation Board at Fresno State, and the Board of Directors of AMOR wellness.
He is also a member of the California Melon Research Board, the California Latino Water Coalition, the Western Growers Association, and the California Farm Bureau. He was selected as the 2024 Latino Spirit Honoree thanks to his contributions to agriculture in California.
“Thank you for recognizing the talents of Latinos across California. We are a diverse community and our contributions span all sectors. As a former farmworker and now farmer I am humbled to receive the Spirit Award in Agriculture,” said Del Bosque.
