USDA/CBO Partnership "Vision" comes to the 2006 California State Fair

Washington D.C. ~ USDA Secretary Mike Johanns and CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura will appear on opening day of the 2006 California State Fair and Exposition to showcase the importance of Agriculture to our region, state and nation.

The 3rd Annual USDA/CBO Partnership Conference in Washington D.C. provided essential conversation to better actualize a shared responsibility to build bridges to a better tomorrow.

The California State Fair and Exposition, operating under the California Department of Food and Agriculture, could be an effective positive contributor to reverse epidemic levels of negative health impacts directly related to diet in underserved minority communities throughout the State of California.

"Fairs are the only window to agriculture for the public;" according to a State Fair official "We're dealing with a public now that really knows nothing about agriculture. They believe their milk comes from a carton in the grocery store. Many people have never even seen a cow, let alone touched one. They don't understand nor care about the farmer's plight--not that it's their fault.” Today, a new paradigm is available.

Black Farmers in the State of California have endured systemic obstacles in accessing equal opportunity and actual participation in the bountiful California Agriculture Industry in various forms since 1849. The inaugural address of Governor Peter Burnett seeking to export all Black people out of the State of California and the California State Fair eliminating effective Black Agriculture continues a value system reflective of the historic Dred Scott Supreme Court decision.

California State Fair and Exposition, a 52 week agribusiness entity, will showcase minimal if any meaningful participation of Black Farmers and Agriculturalists during this years California State Fair.

We will miss another opportunity to demonstrate to all California consumers a positive benefit of mutually beneficial partnerships and alliances with the broader California Agribusiness community.

The 3rd Annual USDA/CBO Partnership meeting, lead by a strong message to “think solutions” by USDA Secretary Johanns could be a central message delivered at the opening of the California State Fair that can mandate the inclusion of Black Agriculture.

We must restore the ability of Black Farmers and Ranchers to showcase our success stories of producing top-quality food, fiber and fuel that contributes to all aspects of California's Agribusiness.

CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura has articulated and demonstrated a broader vision of Urban Agriculture that specifically addresses solutions to the lack of fruit and vegetables in ethnic communities most impacted by epidemic levels of diet related health challenges.

The California State Fair and Exposition, once a Crown Jewel, of our statewide system of State and County Fairs, has deteriorated into a place of ill repute and community avoidance. A new paradigm, building upon clear direction from our “national tax-supported funding source” could begin the journey back to a family friendly and community supported event.

USDA Secretary Johanns visit is a great opportunity for California. A low benchmark of inclusion is available to USDA executive staff and agency heads to quantify "effective benefit" in all areas of the California State Fair.

California Agriculture is a land of golden opportunity; “California Grown” is a branding label worldwide that must become inclusive of “Queen Califia” and the historic contributions of Black Farmers.

Today, Black Farmers represent 1/4th of 1% of all California Farmers and seek a better return on our collective investment in Agriculture industries; it is a mutually beneficial goal and objective.

Together we can restore “Agriculture as the Foundation of Black Culture” and provide positive outcomes in ethnic minority communities “showcasing equal opportunity” for better health outcomes and innovative job creation building sustainable partnerships with public and private local, state, national and international agricultural industry leaders.