CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE CELEBRATES FAIR SEASON AND HEARS UPDATES ON WATER AND RURAL ISSUES AT ITS JUNE 4TH MEETING

SACRAMENTO, May 29, 2019 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates on fairs, water policy and rural issues at its upcoming meeting on June 4, 2019.  The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

“California’s fair season is off to a great start,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.  “Our local fairs provide a venue for all cultures to come together to showcase one-of-a-kind exhibits, exchange ideas, share new creations, and learn more about the bounty of California agriculture.”

California has more than 75 fair organizations located across the state, primarily in rural areas, serving the citizens of California. Fairgrounds are an important part of California’s economy and play a major role in the economies of the communities and counties where they are located. Beyond the annual fair event, fairgrounds operate 365 days per year hosting thousands of events from large trade shows to small family celebrations. Fairgrounds are also in service in times of need – serving as shelters and evacuation centers during local emergencies.

In addition to celebrating California fairs, the Board will have a discussion on water issues with the Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board and hear updates on rural initiatives from representatives of the California Farm Bureau Federation. Representatives from the almond sector will also provide a briefing to the Board on agricultural pests.

“California agriculture is more than just farming and ranching – it’s also about community,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “When we discuss fairs and water policy, our constituents are the communities of the Central Valley, the Central Coast, the Sierras, Imperial and the Far North, among others. Over the next few months we look forward to visiting these communities and engaging on the issues that are not only important to farmers and ranchers, but to the communities in which they are based.”

Invited speakers include: SWRCB Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel; Michael Kelley, Central California Almond Growers Association; Jim Houston, California Farm Bureau Federation; Sarah Cummings, Western Fairs Association; John Quiroz, California Department of Food and Agriculture; Patricia Conklin, Dixon May Fair; Rick Pickering, California State Fair; Laurie Giannini, Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee; and Cliff Munson, Siskiyou Golden Fair.
 
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.

All meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome.
 
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