| About Us |  |
| ODA has a three-fold mission: food safety and consumer protection; protecting the natural resource base; and marketing agricultural products. | |
| Vision | |
| Core values guide the actions of ODA employees as they carry out the mission of the agency. The Oregon Department of Agriculture continues to be a partner with industry as well as protector of consumers. Core values include
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| Mission Statement | |
| The mission of the Oregon Department of Agriculture is 1) to ensure food safety and provide consumer protection; 2) to protect the natural resource base for present and future generations of farmers and ranchers, and 3) to promote economic development and expand market opportunities for Oregon agricultural products. The three broad policy areas of the mission statement are interdependent. Without a strong and healthy natural resource base—particularly land and water—there is little or no agricultural production to promote and market. Without assurance that the food produced in Oregon is safe, there is little chance that many agricultural products will be of interest to potential customers. | |
| Organization | |
| Annual Performance Measures The Oregon Department of Agriculture was created in 1931 to provide leadership, service, and regulatory functions for food production and processing. The director of the department is appointed by the governor. A ten-member State Board of Agriculture, also appointed by the governor, serves as advisory to the director. The department is divided into nine divisions that oversee 36 chapters of Oregon laws. ODA organization chart Divisions Administration and Information | |
| Programs | |
| Food Safety and Consumer Protection Program Area The Food Safety Division 's team of field inspectors and staff license and inspect all facets of the food distribution system, except restaurants, to ensure consumers that food is safe for consumption. The major goal of the Animal Health & Identification Division is to enhance economic production of livestock. Our three major programs work: 1) to control and eradicate animal diseases, including those transmissible to humans; 2) to prevent livestock theft by denying a market for stolen animals through recording of brands and inspection of animals; and 3) to ensure animal feeds meet nutritional and labeling standards. The Measurement Standards Division assures consumers of accurate weight and measure of food and non-food products, services, and commodities purchased in Oregon. The division also provides official mass, volume, and length standards calibration and ensures motor fuel quality standards. ODA's Laboratory Services Section , located in the Food Innovation Center in Portland, provides analysis for food and dairy samples, animal feeds, fertilizer, and water. The laboratory also certifies food for export. Natural Resources Program Area The Natural Resources Division 's mission is to conserve, protect, and develop natural resources on public and private lands so agriculture will continue to be productive and economically viable in Oregon. Primary program areas include: water quality, confined animal feeding operations, smoke management, land use, Soil & Water Conservation Districts , and plant conservation biology. The Pesticides Division seeks to protect people and the environment from adverse effects of pesticide use while maintaining the availability of pesticides for beneficial uses. The division regulates the sale and use of pesticides; provides testing and licensing of all users of restricted-use pesticides; is responsible for fertilizer registration; and investigates incidents of pesticide misuse. The Plant Division works to exclude, detect, and control or eradicate serious insect pests and plant diseases; to enhance the agricultural value of nursery stock, Christmas trees, seeds and other agricultural products for export through pest and disease inspection and certification; and to oversee statewide noxious weed control efforts. Agricultural Marketing and Development Program Area The Agricultural Development & Marketing Division , located in the Food Innovation Center in Portland, works to foster a sustainable, profitable agricultural economy in Oregon through business and market development. The division helps Oregon companies expand markets for value-added food and agricultural products; works to create jobs through expanding value-added agricultural businesses; and oversees the state's 28 commodity commissions. The Commodity Inspection Division provides high quality services which ensure Oregon commodities meet or exceed the quality requirements of the market place. Quality assurance is provided to Oregon producers, packers and shippers through official sampling, grading, inspection and verification. Administration and Support Services The Director's Office provides direction and management to all department programs and associated activities. This office also works with the State Board of Agriculture and many other natural resource, industry, and consumer groups to support the mission and goals of ODA. The Information Office responds to public and media inquiries about the department. This office provides news releases and feature stories about agriculture in Oregon and activities ODA. This office also manages the design and coordination of ODA public documents and Web pages. The Oregon Farm Mediation Program is managed within the Director's Office and provides dispute resolution services for "Right to Farm" issues, farm employer-employee disagreements, contract disputes, and other farm related issues. The Administrative Services Office provides business, computer, and support services to department programs. | |
