'Californina Grown' Agribusiness Battles in the Rodeo Arena

California State Fair 2006~ Black Farmers weigh in on ‘Agribusiness Battles in the Rodeo Arena’

California State Fair 2002 opened with a handful of organizers and supporters prepared for ongoing battle for equal rights in the California Agriculture industry. Boycott signs in front of the main entrance were highly visible each and every day of the 2002 California State Fair, enjoying the record heat of California.

Widespread attention continues in the “Agribusiness Battles of the Rodeo Arena’ where California land tenure, water rights and economic development seek a peaceful coexistence, historically where Black Agriculture is limited through law, administrative policy and terrorism.

California Black Farmers and Ranchers organized a very successful economic boycott of the California State Fair to demonstrate against disparaging treatment and racial discrimination in ‘California Grown’ agriculture and specifically the chilling end to years of active participation at the California State Fair.

5 years ago, California Black Farmers and Ranchers would look forward to coming to Sacramento for the annual “round-up” and ‘family reunion’ gatherings centered around the California State Fair, Black Culture Day Weekend.

For 15 years, the Black Rodeo was the centerpiece of Black Culture Day at the State Fair. The Black Rodeo was canceled in favor of a two day multi-cultural rodeo, entitled "Cowboy Carnaval" a poorly attended, ‘disjointed clown act,’ never repeated or often discussed. It accomplished the desired result.

Historic Black Culture Day ended with the elimination of all ethnic cultural days. Today, many now celebrate Labor Day weekend in Old Sacramento Gold Rush Days, interesting the centerpiece is an Ethnic Village, competing directly with the final weekend of the California State Fair, farm animal excluded, of course.

State Fair historic revenue and attendance figures were sacrificed to expand the ongoing destruction of Black Agribusiness within context of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Fairs and Expositions. Black participation in Agribusiness opportunities at most California County Fairs is dismal by design.

The Boycott of the California State Fair was clearly defined operation, "Our intention is to demonstrate, boycott, let them know that we're not satisfied with their decision."

Today, ‘California State Fair Rodeo Arena Agribusiness Battles’ continues to reflect the heart of a multifaceted agricultural battle for a way of life, now reflected in the systemic decline of all small family farmers across California and our Nation, especially ethnic minority farmers tracking food insecurity in ethnic minority communities.

The Boycott of the State Fair beginning in 2002 charts the beginning of a multi-year, multi-million dollar negative trend for the California State Fair and Exposition.

The decline of broad based participation at the California State Fair, is because it is no longer a “Family Friendly Event“ reflective of the unique and distinct historic character of California. Long-standing State Fair vendors, subcontractors and employees report an all-time low moral and general low opinion of the direction of the California State Fair.

Most importantly published industry data of the once “Crown Jewel” of the California State Fairs and Expositions Department has been reduced from a top 5 position of U.S. Fairs and Expositions to a projected 2006 attendance figure that may not capture a top 25 position of U.S. Fairs and Expositions.

California State Fair Officials responsible for the ongoing problems, still refuse to publicly acknowledge the ongoing negative economic impact of their decision. Together, we can move toward a positive agribusiness solution beginning with a mutually beneficial collaboration statewide relationship with California Black Farmers and Ranchers. Let us meet one bright day, on the ground in the Rodeo Arena, a wonderful historic location and move forward.