Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)

Evaluation Tool

Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)

Tool Category

Standards, Certifications & Labels

At a Glance

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is an institute that provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers, and suppliers with an independent third party review of input products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing. Approved products are placed on the OMRI Products List©, and may be used on operations that are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program. Products included on the OMRI Products List© are searchable in an online database.

Tool Website(s)

www.omri.org/

Tool Owner/Sponsor

Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)

Product Stage of Life Evaluated

Raw materials, manufacturing

Tool Description

OMRI is the only independent, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to agricultural inputs. OMRI is a trusted third-party nonprofit organization that is accredited to ISO 17065 standards by the USDA Quality Assessment Division. Where certifiers focus on the food and fiber products found on the grocery store shelves, OMRI verifies the substances used in organic production: fertilizers, pesticides, livestock health care products, processing aids, and a number of other products that organic farmers and processors rely on every day. OMRI works with all certifiers to ensure that materials used in organic food production meet the organic standards, in accordance with consistent criteria and review methods.

OMRI reviews of products can be used in the following ways:

1. Farmers and processors: in order to maintain their status as organic producers, they can access OMRI lists to be certain that the products they use are acceptable under USDA NOP.
2. Certifiers: they can use OMRI lists while evaluating farms and processing operations for organic certification.
3. Product suppliers: manufacturers of inputs for use in organic production can use OMRI's input certification program, and after certification, can benefit from being listed on OMRI's website as a certified supplier with an OMRI Seal.
4. Retailers: products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing can be verified on the OMRI Products List©. Only these products can display the OMRI Listed seal on product labels and in advertising and promotion.

Product Categories

Food & Beverage; Lawn & Garden

Tool Requirements

Product suppliers (manufacturers) must provide full disclosure of ingredients and manufacturing processes. This information is strictly confidential.

Renewals for products appearing in the OMRI Products List© are required annually; ongoing compliance reviews are conducted every 3-5 years. Products may be subject to product change reviews (if the product changes), limited re-reviews for NOP Standards changes, inspections (random, for cause, or NOP Mandated), and/or investigations.

Cost of Tool

A fee of $40 fee is required for product suppliers to initiate the application process.

Evaluation Frequency

Renewals for products appearing in the OMRI Products List© are required annually; ongoing compliance reviews are conducted every 5 years. Products may be subject to product change reviews (if the product changes), limited re-reviews for NOP Standards changes, inspections (random, for cause, or NOP Mandated), and/or investigations.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: The OMRI Listed Seal is recognized worldwide.

Weaknesses: A product that is not OMRI listed does not mean it can not be used by organic growers. Some companies cannot justify the cost of being OMRI listed.

Examples of Retailers That Use It

Home Depot

Similar Tools that Serve the Same Industry or Product Category

National Organic Program (NOP)

For More Information

(541) 343-7600 x105 or apply@omri.org