New for 2022

The YQCA program has recently updated their certification program and website platform. The certification program represents the top-of-the-line training in food safety, humane animal care and life skill development for youth. This new platform is expected to launch on March 23, 2022.

With this new transition, all YQCA users who plan to use their current and valid certification for the 2022 Big Fresno Fair will need to download their certification prior to the transition on March 23. YQCA users will no longer be able to access their existing accounts and past certification information after the March 23 deadline. YQCA users that do not retrieve their valid certification from the current YQCA platform before March 23 may be required to regain certification through the new platform.

Read more here.

YQCA Requirements

All youth livestock program participants are required to obtain annual certification from the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) program. This requirement is mandated by the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) and the Division of Fairs & Expositions (F&E).

Certification can be obtained through online training or at an approved instructor led training.The YQCA certification is good for one year and only needs to be completed once annually regardless of the number of species shown.

Those not certified through this youth education certification program on the issues of animal welfare, food safety and character education are not eligible to participate at any California fair.

The Big Fresno Fair requires the YQCA certification to be completed at time of project entry as your certification number will be required as part of the online entry process. Entry deadlines will be available on our website soon.

Online vs. Instructor Led YQCA Training

For both online and instructor-led training, you are required to register in advance on the https://yqcaprogram.org/ website. Online training costs $12 per exhibitor and may be completed at any time prior to entry deadline.

If you are looking to save a little money, there are a number of instructor led trainings that are currently being offered here in the Valley, which will cost $3 per exhibitor. Any of these trainings meet the requirements of the State and The Big Fresno Fair.

The Big Fresno Fair will be holding its own instructor-led trainings in May or June. More information will be posted as dates are secured.

The only species exempt from this training are horse, dog and guinea pig.