Rep. Panetta and Group of Bipartisan Representatives Request Federal Funding for Agricultural Fair Recovery

SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, January 26 Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Billy Long (R-MO), Mike Levin (D-CA), Josh Harder (D-CA), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) sent a bipartisan letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy requesting that they include relief for agricultural fairs in any potential upcoming omnibus legislation. There were widespread closures of fairs due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and the federal government still needs to help these vital groups recover their losses and rebuild their operations. Federal relief would allow fairs to support our agricultural producers, inspire the next generation of farmers, and provide services to our communities in times of emergency. “In the last couple years, fairs across the country, including in our counties on the Central Coast, were prevented from opening or operating at full capacity because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congressman Panetta. “That’s why we are continuing our efforts in Congress for any type of federal funding to help with the $4.5 billion revenue loss for fairs and allow them to get back to promoting our national agriculture, educating our future farmers, and supporting local small businesses. The federal government needs to do its part to help these fairs recover and, once again, provide economic and cultural benefits to our communities and families.” “The fair season isn’t just one of the best times of the year, it’s a vital part of our community and our economy. Our fairs employ hundreds of our workers, generate millions in revenue, and of course let us show off the world’s finest produce we’ve got on hand,” said Rep. Josh Harder. “We can’t have another year where our ag fairs are shut down. Our farmers, our workers, and our communities deserve better. It’s time Congress steps up and delivers us the protection they deserve.” “Many of us have fond memories of attending a fair in our community, including my own family who looks forward to the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds each year,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “These fairs serve as an important staple of our local economy and are critical sources of income for local businesses and agricultural producers. However, many fairs experienced significant financial losses as a result of the pandemic and have not yet received any relief. I am glad to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to protect these fairs for future generations by providing relief funds like those included in the Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act.” “Although many county and state fairs were able to hold their annual fairs in 2021, all continued to be hard-hit by the ravages of the ongoing pandemic,” said Marla J. Calico, President & CEO International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE). “Almost all already faced a loss of 70-100% of their total annual revenue in 2020 and then dealt with the inflated costs of doing business IF they were permitted to open by their county or state government and most have yet to totally recover from the other important revenue stream, that of serving as their community’s top gathering and live event space for non-fair events. This funding, meager when compared to aid provided other industries and businesses in this country, is vital to the full recovery of the agricultural fairs of the United States.” “The Monterey County Fair would like to thank Congressman Panetta for his dedication to the fair industry,” said Kelly Violini-Rodoni, CEO of the Monterey County Fair. “The last two years have proven that our industry is resilient and extremely creative in finding ways to survive the Pandemic. Unfortunately, our infrastructure is not as willing to adjust to the ‘new normal’. The Monterey County Fair sits on 22 acres of land in the heart of Monterey, and with the loss of revenues during Covid due to decreased events, the Fairgrounds is facing over a million dollars in deferred maintenance projects. It is essential that we continue to maintain our facilities to provide space for community dinners, recreational facilities for local youth athletic clubs, emergency shelters and more. Fairgrounds are the heart and soul of their communities serving as gathering spots, showcasing local agriculture, and generating over 3.9 billion annually in economic impact in California alone. Financial relief for agricultural fairs is a step in the right direction to secure the survival of our Fairgrounds and all of its valuable programs and services.”