The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is calling on food processors to remind them of the Oregon Food Processing Machinery and Equipment Property Tax Exemption Program available for the 2024 tax year, aiming to aid these businesses in cost reduction and operation expansion through valuable property tax exemptions. Specific machinery and equipment falling under the ambit of this program include blanchers, peelers, freezers, dicers, conveyers, huskers, sorting and filling equipment, smokers, and packaging equipment, catering to a wide array of food products from fresh produce to meats and dairy.
According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, for food processors looking to benefit from this tax break, the department has set out important dates: Request for exemption forms are available as of January 1 next year, food processors are strongly encouraged to submit these forms early in January to ensure timely scheduling and certification, but for those who miss the early window late submissions are still possible with a late fee for forms submitted and inspected after March 1, 2025..
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has pledged to offer guidance on assessing equipment eligibility and assistance through the application process, intending to make this exemption program accessible to all eligible food processors.
Information on how to apply, including program details and guidance, can be found on the ODA’s official website at ODA's food processing tax exemption page.
