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About F&E Branch

Role and Responsibilities

Fair Oversight

The Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fairs & Expositions (F&E), a Branch within the Division of Marketing Services, provides fiscal and policy oversight of the network of California fairs. This oversight responsibility includes the following (B&P Code Sections 19606.1 and 19620):
Manage and monitor the solvency of the Fair and Exposition Fund and the Satellite Wagering Account.

  • Create a framework for administration of the network of California fairs, allowing for maximum autonomy and local decision making authority.
  • Guiding and providing incentives to fairs to seek matching funds and generate new revenue from a variety of sources.
  • Support continuous improvement of fair programs to ensure California fairs remain highly relevant community institutions.
  • Ensure annual fiscal audits and periodic compliance audits are performed.

Mission Statement

Mission

The Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) Fairs & Expositions (F&E), a Branch within the Division of Marketing Services, provides fiscal and policy oversight to the Network of California Fairs and ensures compliance with laws and regulations, and the best use of available funding and other services.

Vision

To enrich the lives of California's citizens by ensuring the Network of California Fairs continue to exist as viable, recreational and cultural facilities of general public interest. California's Fairs serve as world leaders in providing educational and competitive exhibits that highlight California's industry and industrial enterprises, resources and products of every kind & nature. California Fairs focus on improvement, promotion, encouragement and reward of excellence in those endeavors.

Values

  • All business partners are treated with respect and valued for their contributions.
  • Fair Boards and staff are provided with the maximum autonomy to make decisions at the local level.
  • We provide regulatory oversight combined with a strong customer service philosophy.
  • We serve as a conduit to assist members of the fair industry in understanding how government works.
  • We share information, funding decisions and best business practices with all members of the fair industry.
  • Financial data is made readily available to all interested parties.
  • We provide resources, tools and training to assist the fair industry in understanding their roles and responsibilities.
  • We ensure the opinions of citizens of the State are considered when making local decisions by following the open meeting laws.
  • We are reasonable, fair, equitable, and consistent in the applications of the law, rules and regulations.

Network of California Fairs Map

Quick Links

Governor’s Appointment Office CalHR CDFA Online University Department of General Services (DGS) DAA Board Training Webinar Online Board Application Western Fairs Association California Authority of Racing Fairs California Fair Services Authority California Horse Racing Board Fair Political Practices Commission Savings Plus

Information

Board of Directors Handbook Part I: Governance Board of Directors Handbook Part II: Recommended Best Practices Fair Training Reimbursement Form 2018 Fair Budget Instructions and Worksheets STOP Packets 2011/2012 Annual Expenditure Plan Additional Reporting Animal Exhibit Signage / Handwashing Signs Fair Board Roster Update Report 1 CA Fairgrounds Support of Disasters and Catastrophes Report 2 CA Fairgrounds Best Practices and Resources Use in Support of Disasters and Catastrophes Report 3 CA Fairgrounds Concept of Operations in Support of Disasters and Catastrophes