Title
Authorize the Agricultural Commissioner or designee to execute a no-cost, non-standard agreement with the 7th District Agricultural Association dba Monterey County Fair, for the lease of a vendor booth during the 2026 Monterey County Fair on September 2-7, 2026, to host an educational bee exhibit.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize the Agricultural Commissioner or designee to execute a no-cost, non-standard agreement with the 7th District Agricultural Association dba Monterey County Fair, for the lease of a vendor booth during the 2026 Monterey County Fair on September 2-7, 2026, to host an educational bee exhibit.
SUMMARY:
The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office requests Board authorization to enter into a no cost, short-term lease agreement with the 7th District Agricultural Association dba Monterey County Fair to lease one (1) 10’x10’ vendor booth space in order to host an education bee exhibit during the upcoming 2026 Monterey County Fair. The booth is to be located in the Agricultural Building within the Monterey County Fairgrounds. The annual Monterey County Fair will take place September 2nd through the 7th, 2026. The annual Monterey County Fair is one of dozens of fairs across the state that are designed to advance public knowledge of agriculture and provide a community gathering place. The Monterey County Fair emphasizes the importance and reality of agriculture to our local county residents, some of which may have little contact with farms, ranches and agribusinesses.
DISCUSSION:
The recommended action will allow the Agricultural Commissioner to set up an educational exhibit during the event and provide outreach and education to the public on the importance of bees in the ecosystem, how pollinators support local crops, connecting natural processes to food production in a clear, hands-on way. The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has provided this educational activity to the community through prior agreements with the Monterey County Fair for the past decade.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of the County Counsel-Risk Management has approved the agreement as to form and insurance and indemnification provisions.
FINANCING:
There is no fee associated with the lease agreement. Materials expenses are contained within the FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget for the Agricultural Commissioner. There is no impact to the General Fund from this action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Supports the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office mission of promoting agriculture and providing knowledge and resources to members and the public on agricultural practices, weights and measures, and consumer protection.
_x__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Henry Esler, Finance Manager, x7381
Approved by: Juan Hidalgo, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, x7302
Attachments:
Board Report
7th District Agricultural Association dba Monterey County Fair Lease Agreement
County of Monterey Letter of Self-Insurance