ODA works to assist meat processors and livestock producers in Oregon. For information about connecting with market channels and opportunities, please contact our trade development managers.
Meat processor resources
Oregon Meat Processing Grant
ODA is seeking applications for $8.2 million in grant funding to bolster the meat processing industry's capacity in Oregon and further strengthen the state's agriculture sector through projects that enhance capacity, efficiency, and innovation.
Applicants may request funding for equipment, physical improvements, technical assistance, processing hardware/software, on-site waste handling and education/training. Deadline is January 16, 2024.
For more information, visit Oregon Meat Processing Grant.
Machinery & Equipment Tax Exemption for Food Processors
The program allows food processors to request a property tax exemption for qualified property machinery and equipment, and personal property. The tax exemption is for food processors engaged in the business of processing, repacking, freezing, canning, dehydrating, concentrating, or preserving raw or fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, seafood, grains, eggs, bakery products, or dairy products for human consumption before the point of the first sale by the processor.
In 2023, House Bill 2080 Sections 11 and 12 amended the program to include machinery and equipment that is used to process meat or wild game. The amendment applies to machinery and equipment placed in service from 2023 and is applicable to property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2024.
For more information, visit Machinery & Equipment Certification.
USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity
Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA)
USDA's Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA) ensures that participants in USDA's Meat and Poultry Supply Chain initiatives have full-range technical assistance to support their project development and success.
These supply chain initiatives, including the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) Program and the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), support the growth of domestic processing capacity and the ability of independent facilities to serve customers in more markets.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is investing up to $25 million to establish a nationwide MPPTA network of support focusing on four key areas, or scopes:
- Federal Grant Application Management: Navigating federal grants processes and procedures, from pre-award applications processes through post-award grant management compliance.
- Business Development and Financial Planning: Business and financial planning resources, market intelligence, and project/concept feasibility analyses.
- Meat and Poultry Processing Technical and Operation Support: Advice and resources to support the operational needs including workforce development of processing plant development and utilization.
- Supply Chain Development: Support for the development and maintenance of successful supply chain and marketing relationships between supplies, processors, distributors and customers.
To learn more about the MPPTA Program, or to initiate a request for technical assistance under this program, visit the
AMS webpage.
Livestock producer direct marketing resources
Western Meat School
The Western Meat School is an intermediate-level short course for small and mid-scale livestock producers.
This fully remote learning experience will help farmers, ranchers, butchers & others learn the essentials for direct marketing niche meat from experts in livestock production, processing, marketing and pricing.
The course fee is $150 for up to two individuals in your business or family who will share the same login and Canvas learning dashboard. Start the enrollment process here.
This is a collaborative effort of the Niche Meat Processors Assistance Network at Oregon State University, Colorado State University, Montana State University, University of Wyoming and Mesalands Community College.
Additional resources