Oregon Department of Agriculture advances Poultry Inspection Act with Senate Bill 809

Oregon's meat processing industry is set for a significant boost following the recent discussions in the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. During the meeting on April 16, 2025, Jonathan Sandow, Deputy Director at the Oregon Department of Agriculture, presented Senate Bill 809, which aims to enhance the state's meat inspection program by incorporating poultry inspection capabilities.

The initiative stems from a need identified during the COVID-19 pandemic when supply chain disruptions highlighted the limitations of Oregon's existing meat inspection framework. Historically, Oregon had its own state meat inspection program until budget cuts in the 1970s led to a shift to federal oversight. In 2022, Oregon successfully re-established its state meat inspection program, but it lacked the authority to inspect poultry products due to a gap in statutory references.

Senate Bill 809 addresses this gap by formally integrating the Poultry Inspection Act into Oregon's statutes. This change will allow state inspectors to oversee poultry processing facilities and added-value poultry products, such as chicken tamales and pot pies. Sandow emphasized that this legislative update is crucial for local businesses seeking to expand their product offerings and meet consumer demand.

The bill has garnered positive feedback from USDA officials, ensuring that Oregon's updated framework aligns with federal standards. This alignment is expected to facilitate the growth of poultry processing in the state, particularly in the added-value sector, where interest has been notably high.

As the committee moves forward with this legislation, the implications for Oregon's agricultural landscape are promising. By enhancing local inspection capabilities, the state aims to support small processors and potentially attract new businesses to the poultry sector, ultimately benefiting consumers and the local economy.