OMRI Achieves 3,000 Listed Products

(February 26, 2014) OMRI is pleased to announce that nearly 1,000 companies have chosen to add over 3,000 compliant products to the OMRI Products List©, making it the largest and most frequently used input resource for organic certifiers, growers, livestock producers, processors and handlers.The milestone comes at a time when OMRI has just expanded its services to include input review to the Canadian organic standards, in addition to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards.

According to OMRI's Executive Director/CEO, Peggy Miars, "After 13 years of reviewing materials, we reached 2,000 listed products. Then we added 1,000 more products in just the last three years. We set out to offer a comprehensive resource for organic stakeholders, and we are certainly making that happen. It's great to see our efforts coming to fruition, as OMRI is growing both in the number of OMRI Listed ® products, and in the number of new applications each month."

OMRI continues to process new applications for both the U.S. and Canada programs quickly and efficiently, thanks to added staffing and streamlined procedures. At the same time, the organization adheres to strict standards for product review, and continually monitors products to ensure ongoing compliance. This year the organization upgraded its Quality System to become the first ISO 17065 organization accredited by the USDA. As a result, the OMRI Products List delivers a reliable resource that certifiers and organic producers use to streamline their work every day.

"We see inputs as the critical first step to ensuring organic integrity, so we take our work seriously," Miars explains. "A long list of verified options can offer operators their best chance at success, and it also supports an effective certification process. We are pleased to do our part and provide the best service possible for the growing organic industry."

Founded in 1997, the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling and processing. OMRI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. When companies apply, OMRI reviews their products against the organic standards. Acceptable products are OMRI Listed® and appear on the OMRI Products List© or OMRI Canada Products List©. OMRI also provides technical support and training to agricultural professionals.