“Over the last decade, Bee Sweet Citrus has targeted Fresno State for much of its recruitment efforts,” said Monique Mueller, director of communications for Bee Sweet. “Not only is the campus close to our packing facility, but its dedication to hands-on learning within the agriculture sector is impressive.”

The connection runs deep. Many of Bee Sweet’s interns and members of its management team are Fresno State alumni, Mueller said, making the campus a natural partner as the company looked for ways to expand its local engagement.

At the same time, Bee Sweet had been growing its presence in the Central Valley running community. Three years ago, the company became the official Mandarin sponsor for the Two Cities Marathon and California Classic Events, an organization that hosts more than 20 races annually across the region.

“Seeking to deepen this engagement, the Farm-K idea was born — a project that Ag One embraced from the start,” Mueller said.

Partnering with Ag One aligned closely with Bee Sweet’s values, she added. The foundation supports Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology by raising funds for student scholarships and program needs.

“Like Bee Sweet Citrus, they’re committed to fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders through campus projects, raising scholarship funds and more,” Mueller said. “As a company that values hands-on education, partnering with Ag One for this event was an easy decision.”

Hosting the race on farmland rather than in a city park was intentional. Fresno State operates the nation’s largest on-campus farm, spanning more than 1,000 acres and featuring 18 farm units managed by students and staff. The farm serves as a living classroom for nearly 1,800 students enrolled in agriculture-related programs.

“The Farm-K spotlights agricultural education at Fresno State and allows participants to experience the passion and commitment that sustain our food supply,” Mueller said.

Proceeds from the event go directly to Ag One, supporting scholarships, campus initiatives and experiential learning opportunities — investments Bee Sweet views as essential to the future of production agriculture.

“Like any other company in production agriculture, Bee Sweet Citrus’s future depends on the success of students who are passionate about agriculture,” Mueller said. “Supporting them as they pursue their studies strengthens our entire industry.”

For participants, the experience is meant to leave a lasting impression beyond the finish line.

“We hope participants leave with a stronger connection to agriculture,” Mueller said. “While most people only think about their food at the grocery store, seeing the farm firsthand highlights the effort behind every meal and the importance of supporting agriculture and those who are in it.”

Through Ag One, nearly 5,750 students have received more than $33 million in scholarships and program support to date. Bee Sweet sees the Farm-K as another step toward ensuring those opportunities continue.

“This event supports Ag One and furthers its mission to help students in Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agriculture Sciences and Technology,” Mueller said.