An Important Outcome for Oregon Agriculture

On July 24, 2026, the Oregon Elections Division announced that Initiative Petition 28 did not contain enough valid signatures to qualify for the November 3, 2026, General Election ballot.

Of the 142,347 signatures accepted for verification, 104,262 were determined to be valid, for a validity rate of 73.25%. The petition needed 117,173 valid signatures to qualify.

IP 28 will not appear on the November 2026 ballot.

Verification Results

104,262
Valid signatures

117,173
Valid signatures required

73.25%
Signature validity rate

142,347
Signatures accepted for verification

Why This Outcome Matters

This is an important outcome for Oregon dairy farmers, the broader agricultural community, and Oregon families and consumers.

IP 28 would have made sweeping changes to Oregon law affecting animal agriculture, food production, hunting, fishing, pest control, wildlife management and other activities involving animals.

For Oregon farmers and ranchers, the proposal would have created serious criminal risk and legal uncertainty around necessary work involved in animal care, livestock management, breeding, transportation and food production.

Its consequences would have extended beyond individual farms. Oregon agriculture supports processors, veterinarians, feed suppliers, milk haulers, equipment dealers, transportation companies, rural employers and local businesses throughout the state.

Reducing Oregon’s ability to produce food locally could also leave families with fewer choices, greater dependence on food produced outside the state and additional pressure on grocery costs.

Why ODFA Opposed IP 28

It threatened responsible animal care and food production

Responsible animal care requires daily attention, skilled decision-making and access to appropriate veterinary practices. Oregon dairy farmers work with veterinarians, nutritionists, regulators and animal care programs to protect herd health and produce safe, high-quality milk.

IP 28 would have replaced established animal care and regulatory systems with a sweeping criminal standard that failed to recognize the realities of raising animals and producing food.

It put Oregon food production at risk

Oregon families rely on farmers and ranchers for milk, cheese, yogurt, meat, eggs and other foods produced close to home.

IP 28 would not have simply added another regulation. It would have created criminal exposure for activities that are fundamental to animal agriculture and the production of animal-based foods.

It threatened rural jobs and businesses

Dairy and livestock farms are part of a much larger agricultural economy. They support employees, veterinarians, processors, suppliers, transportation companies and many other businesses.

Disrupting animal agriculture would have affected jobs, businesses and communities across rural Oregon.

Its impacts extended far beyond agriculture

IP 28 also raised serious concerns for hunting, fishing, trapping, pest and predator control, wildlife management, agricultural research and education.

This was not a proposal affecting only one industry. Its consequences could have reached Oregon families, businesses, schools, parks, researchers, outdoor recreation and natural resource management.

Thank You to Oregon’s Agricultural Community

Thank you to the ODFA members, agricultural organizations, industry partners and Oregonians who stayed engaged, shared accurate information and helped communicate the potential consequences of IP 28.

The coordinated response demonstrated the importance of agriculture and natural resource communities working together when proposals threaten local food production, rural livelihoods and responsible animal care.