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California Department of Food and Agriculture

Media Contacts: Steve Lyle, CDFA Public Affairs, (916) 654-0462, slyle@cdfa.ca.gov,

California Department of Food and Agriculture
Release #11-023
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SECRETARY ROSS TO WORK WITH NETWORK OF CALIFORNIA FAIRS TO DEVELOP PLAN FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS

Fairs planning to operate as usual this summer and fall


SACRAMENTO, May 25, 2011 – In Governor Brown’s May Revise this month, he directed CDFA Secretary Karen Ross to develop a plan for the governor’s proposed 2012-2013 budget that addresses the future operation, maintenance and oversight of the network of California fairs.  Due to the state budget crisis and a reduction of $32 million in funding, fairs will have to carefully consider how to continue current operations.


“While the budget situation definitely presents a challenge, this could be an opportunity, as well,” said Secretary Ross.  “California’s fairs are an important part of our communities, and I am committed to working with the fairs to find ways they can be more entrepreneurial, including exploring options for more local control.”


The network of California fairs consists of 78 fairs operating under CDFA fiscal oversight. Fifty-two of them are District Agricultural Associations (DAAs), which are governed by boards of directors appointed by the governor.


According to Governor Brown’s directive, the plan to be developed by Secretary Ross shall include real and personal property holdings and the feasibility of restructuring the governance of fairs.  


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California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Public Affairs
1220 N St., Ste. 214, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0462, www.cdfa.ca.gov