Secure Food Supply (SFS) plans are voluntary measures designed to help livestock and poultry producers in Oregon prepare for potential outbreaks of foreign animal diseases (FAD). The SFS plans serve two main purposes during such outbreaks: they aim to improve on-farm biosecurity to reduce the risk of infection or contamination, and they help maintain business continuity by enabling the permitted movement of animals and animal products for operations that meet certain criteria.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) uses these plans as part of its strategy to standardize enhanced biosecurity practices across the state. According to the ODA, “by preparing ahead of time, producers have a better chance of being able to safely move animals and animal products during a disease crisis, helping to avoid a complete stop in production.”
Oregon’s agricultural sector is diverse and significant, with various species of livestock. An FAD outbreak could threaten this sector economically and impact animal health. The implementation of SFS plans can help minimize losses by preventing disease spread, allowing safer movement under controlled conditions, and supporting business continuity.
The Oregon SFS Program includes several components:
1. Commodity-specific plans tailored for different sectors—such as beef cattle, dairy, pork, poultry, sheep, and wool—reflecting unique risks and biosecurity needs.
2. Site-specific written biosecurity plans that producers must develop for enrollment. The ODA website provides checklists and templates to assist in this process.
3. Enrollment requires obtaining a Premises Identification Number (PIN), developing or updating a written biosecurity plan based on commodity-specific guidance, submitting an enrollment form to ODA, and either undergoing a biosecurity audit or submitting documentation for review.
4. During an FAD outbreak, movement restrictions will likely be imposed; however, operations meeting SFS criteria may qualify for permits allowing animal or product movement with ODA approval.
Best practices recommended by the program include early preparation, tailoring plans to specific commodities produced on-site, working with veterinarians or ODA’s Animal Health Program staff for risk assessment and audits, maintaining thorough documentation for eligibility reviews, understanding movement rules during outbreaks—even with SFS participation—and regularly reviewing biosecurity measures.
While participation is voluntary and does not eliminate all risk or guarantee unrestricted movement during an outbreak, it reduces risk levels and helps maintain market access by minimizing downtime. “While the program is voluntary, the benefits in a disease outbreak (reduced downtime, maintained markets) can be substantial,” states guidance from the ODA.
Limitations remain: following SFS guidelines cannot fully prevent disease impact; movement permits may still require additional testing or certification; preparedness involves time investment; some benefits are realized through avoided losses rather than immediate savings; and SFS should be considered part of broader risk management strategies alongside insurance or market diversification.
Healthy animal production sectors support food security in Oregon as well as economic stability and rural employment. Having programs like SFS increases resilience against disruptive events such as disease outbreaks or supply chain interruptions.
For more information about enrolling in Oregon’s Secure Food Supply Program or assistance with site-specific planning or audits, producers can contact the Animal Health Program at 503-968-4680.
