Mariposa County Fair
Sierra Sun Times file photo

October 2, 2020 - In recent communications with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), it was shared that it has begun the distribution of funding to all classes of District Agricultural Associations (commonly known as “fairs”). This involves the 2020-21 fair distribution allocations from two sources” 1) the General Fund base allocation ($2.7 million statewide); and 2) $9.3 million from the AB 1499 New Fair Funds (Assembly Bill 1499-Gray, 2017).

AB 1499, strongly supported by Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), requires a portion of the state sales tax proceeds derived on fair properties to be returned to fairs for a variety of projects. Allocations are by class size and while base allocations follow the current model, New Fair Funds include additional metrics for distribution that include both fair size and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdowns. Fair management is being asked to submit resolutions adopted by their Boards requesting the approval for these funds. In addition, fair managers are being requested to affirm that Board members have met all reporting and training obligations required of those serving on state entities.

An updated list of those fairs that have received funds, to date, should be available soon. Contracts were going out to fairs over the last week. All fairs in the network are set to get an allocation.

Grant agreements and the scope of work specific to new fair funds are currently being prepared for distribution. The grant agreements for the New Fairs Funds are expected to have a start date in October 2020 with an end date of June 30, 2021. Also, Executive Order N-40-20 suspending workforce conditions is still in place; however, if the Executive Order ends prior to the end date of the grant agreement, the fair will need to implement the required workforce conditions. Details are available here.

Although there is much uncertainty about the total amount of the New Fair Funds for FY 2020/21, the availability for the first distribution of $5.7 million has been confirmed. Any additional funds identified under AB 1499 Funds will be communicated once that information becomes readily available.
Source: Rural County Representatives of California