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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information

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This page was updated 7/1​/20. Please check back regularly for new information.

State and federal information

The situation around COVID-19 (novel coronavirus disease) in Oregon continues to evolve. Governor Kate Brown has a webpage capturing statewide and federal recommendations and updates. Other excellent sources for information are also listed below:

General questions can also be answered by calling 2-1-1 for assistance. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider.

Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) operations

We are prioritizing ODA resources and continuing with our critical functions. Please be aware that responses may require additional time. 

Pursuant to Executive Order 20-12 all ODA buildings will be closed to the public and public services will be provided by phone or online during regular business hours. When public services require in-person interactions an appointment must be made and social distancing measures must be implemented and enforced to the maximum extent possible. For more information or to request an appointment, please contact the appropriate program.​

Review the information below for additional changes in our operations. 

Animal Health Laboratory

Please make an appointment to drop off samples by contacting the lab at 503-986-4686. We will have a staff member meet you at the door to receive your sample. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

If staffing shortages occur, it could result in extended turn-around times for tests and communication responses. Priority will be given to disease outbreaks, foreign animal disease investigations, regulatory and public health testing, and testing for animal movement. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Animal Health Lab if you have any questions. Email: ahid-lab@oda.state.or.us or Phone: 503-986-4686 

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Cashier's Window in Salem
Please call our Cashier’s Office at 503-986-4592 to make an appointment.​​
Inspections
​Critical inspections will continue, however some routine inspections have been postponed. 

Agricultural Water Quality

  • Outdoor ag water quality inspections will continue when staff can maintain social distancing.
  • Contact: 503-986-4700 ​or nrd-expert@oda.state.or.us​

Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)

Food Safety

  • Inspections will focus on high-risk firms.
  • Domestic kitchens will not be inspected.
  • Dairy sampling, seals, and inspections will continue as usual.
  • Initial approval inspections may still be conducted as necessary.
  • All inspections will be scheduled.​

  • Contact: 503-986-4720 or foodsafety@oda.state.or.us

Market Access & Certification

  • ​All inspections are being performed, except for the Produce Safety Program (see below).

Nursery & Christmas Tree

  • Routine inspections are continuing when staff can maintain social distancing. 
  • Plant material can be certified for shipment upon request.
  • Contact: 503-986-4644 or nursery@oda.state.or.us​

Pesticides & Fertilizers

  • Routine inspections have been postponed.
  • All complaint-driven investigations are still occurring and ODA staff are following social distancing guidelines​.

  • Contact: 503-986-4635 or pestx@oda.state.or.us

Produce Safety Program​

Weights & Measures

  • Grocery store inspections are postponed. 
  • Home inspections are postponed.​
  • Other inspections will continue when staff can maintain social distancing.
  • Inspectors will call ahead prior to an inspection.
  • Contact: 503-986-4670​ or owm@oda.state.or.us​​
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Licensing

​Please submit your licensing and renewal applications and payments as usual. Reminders will go out on our regular schedule. 

Hemp Program

  • ​Applications for registration can still be submitted, however processing may be slower than normal. 

Pesticide Licensing Testing Centers

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Public Meetings
In-person meetings will only occur for small groups when social distancing of six feet between people can be maintained. However, when at all possible, public meetings will be moved to a conference call or GoToMeeting. Some meetings may be canceled. Please reach out to the appropriate program​ for more information on meeting changes.

​Resources

Below we have compiled information from various sources for your reference to help support your business and to protect yourself, employees, and consumers.​ ​

Anxiety & Stress
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Animal Health, CAFOs, Animal Feed, Pets

Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

​​​​Auction Yards

  • It is ODA’s understanding that auction sales fall into the exempt business and services category outlined in the Governor’s Executive Order 20-07​. All businesses are encouraged to implement social distancing protocols detailed in the EO, consistent with guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.​
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Disinfectants
Employers, Farm Workers, Employees

Food Donations & Sales

From the Oregon State Police

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Farmers Markets & U-Pick Farms

Farmers Markets

  • Farmers Markets are allowed to continue to operate providing the market and vendors establish, implement and enforce social distancing policies as outlined in the Governor’s Executive Order 20-12​​. ​​
  • Both the individual booth vendor and the farmer market are responsible to establish, implement and enforce social distancing policies. 
  • Vendors are encouraged to implement a "pick-up" or "curb side" delivery service model. Vendors who offer massages, facials, or wellness services that cannot adhere to the social distancing guidelines cannot operate.
  • See the Oregon Farmers Markets Association guidance for markets and vendors​
  • Food carts may continue to provide take out orders, no onsite consumption of food is permitted.​

U-Pick Farms

Resources

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Food Safety
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There is currently no indication that the virus can be transmitted through food.

Please see Governor Kate Brown's Executive Orders​​ for information regarding food establishments.​​

Hand Sanitizers

Prevention & Response

​Re​​opening 

​Reusable Grocery Bags

Resources

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Outdoor Burning
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Toolkits for COVID Response

​Agriculture and Farm Operations

Food Processing


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Hours of operation

Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm​

​Contact

Director's Office
info@oda.state.or.us
635 Capitol St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-986-4550
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