The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will address the status of local fairs at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, July 9, in Sacramento.

The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N St., Main Auditorium, Sacramento.  

“California’s fairs are an integral part of this state’s agricultural heritage,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “From the annual exhibitions to year-round community based activities – fairs continue to help educate and entertain. They remain an important and productive part of our local communities.”

In 2011, funding for California’s fairs was eliminated as part of the state’s budgetary savings. This $32 million reduction in funding repositioned how fairs operate.

California’s fair network consists of 80 fair organizations, including District Agricultural Associations, citrus fruit fairs, other local fairs, and the California State Fair.

This meeting provides an opportunity for stakeholders to provide an update on California’s fairs and discuss the changes and initiatives that are occurring at the local level.

Invited speakers include: Stephen Chambers, Western Fairs Association; Becky Bailey-Findley, California Fair Services Authority; Christopher Korby, California Authority of Racing Fairs; Rick Pickering, California Exposition & State Fair; Tim Fennell, Del Mar Fairgrounds; Dannette DePaul, Modoc District Fair; and representatives from the Fresno, Dixon and Calaveras fairs. Additional speakers include representatives from CDFA’s Division of Fairs & Expositions.

“California’s fair season is in full swing and thousands of individuals across this state are seeing livestock exhibits and horse racing while enjoying classic fair food,” said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “California’s fair industry is vibrant and resilient and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this cultural icon of the Golden State.”

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The state board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representative and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

Follow the board on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard .