California State Fair reflects a continual decline since the exclusion of our Black Rodeo

Sacramento, CA ~ USDA Secretary Mike Johanns and CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura appeared on opening day of the 2006 California State Fair and Exposition. They showcased the importance of Agriculture to our region, state and nation to record low attendance.

While the 3rd Annual USDA/CBO Partnership Conference in Washington D.C. provided an essential conversation to better actualize a shared responsibility to build bridges to a better tomorrow, the message in California is still ignored and the people continue to speak.

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.

"California Grown" has become somthing to be cautious about and relects a similar mentality of officials at the California State Fair and Exposition.

"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 because of E.Coli on "California Grown" products.

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.

Today, at the California State Legislature a new paradigm is being developed to address consumer confidence. World consumers seek positive benefit of mutually beneficial partnerships and alliances with the broader California Agribusiness community.

Duriing the 3rd Annual USDA/CBO Partnership meeting, lead by a strong message to “think solutions” by USDA Secretary Johanns. His central message is very important to reduce the fear of "bobo on leafy green vegetables," "California Grown."

We must restore gloabl 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 global 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 missed a great opportunity in California. A low benchmark of per day attendance at the California State Fair reflects a continual decline since the exclusion of Black Agricultural participation at the California State Fair.

“California Grown” is a branding label worldwide that must become inclusive of “Queen Califia,” the Black Queen that California is named after, remember Hernan Cortes, 1535.

Today, Black Farmers represent 1/4th of 1% of all California Farmers and seek a better return on our collective investment in Agriculture industries. There will be one standard for humanity and one day every knee shall bend and head shall bow. As the elders teach, your actions speak so loud that your words have little meaning.

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.