Organic Materials Review Institute Releases Revised Generic Materials List Compliant with USDA Organic Program Comprehensive manual published to aid organic industry producers, processors and handlers with compliance and transition to National Organic Standards November 20, 2001 For immediate release Contact: Kathleen Downey OMRI Executive Director 541-343-7600 541-343-8971 fax EUGENE, ORE. (November 20, 2001) - The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) has just introduced its new OMRI Generic Materials List. The 135-page document, extensively annotated, includes information on over 800 materials for use in crop, livestock and processing sectors of organic production. The revised list also includes: an OMRI Status column that codes each material as Allowed, Regulated, or Prohibited a National Organic Program (NOP) Rule column that cites regulatory text for each material listed an OMRI Annotation column that includes restrictions on use and additional information cross reference listings to materials included in the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Basic Standards "This special edition of the OMRI Generic Materials List definitely is a must-have text," said Emily Brown Rosen, Policy Director for OMRI. "We have painstakingly gone through all the materials listed to make sure that OMRI is fully compliant with the language of the United State Department of Agriculture's program rules. All changes in policy," Brown Rosen added, "are highlighted in this version of the OMRI Generic Materials List so that producers can easily see what changes they need to make in order to maintain certification." Brown Rosen further emphasized that the generic list is a vital reference that documents the changes from existing organic standards to a harmonized national rule. "There are some significant changes that producers and suppliers need to consider as organic program implementation moves forward." Additionally, the new OMRI Generic Materials List is key as an international document for overseas companies that currently or intend to market their organic products in the U.S. The generic list also complements the OMRI Brand Name Products List - published separately and available on the informative website, http://www.omri.org. - that includes specific products listed for use in organic production, processing and handling. Together, the two OMRI lists are the latest detailed information available in the organic industry on ingredients, farm inputs, and their uses and restrictions. In Spring 2002, OMRI will be publishing a new OMRI Brand Name Products List that will be compliant with the NOP Rule. To subscribe to the OMRI lists, which include periodic updates, or to apply for a brand name product review, interested parties should contact OMRI at Box 11558, Eugene, OR 97440 USA; phone 541-343-7600 or fax 541-343-8971; email info@omri.org. October 21, 2002, is the deadline for program implementation set by the United States Department of Agriculture when it released the NOP Rule in December 2000. The first phase of implementation has already begun, and many certification agencies have now applied for accreditation. The NOP will announce accredited agencies in April 2002 and the agencies then will certify according to NOP standards. To make informed decisions about organic materials, certification agencies will need the OMRI Generic Materials List and the OMRI Brand Name Products List. Once fully implemented, USDA's National Organic Program will handle ongoing regulatory oversight, administration and enforcement of the organic regulations. About OMRI OMRI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to benefit the organic community and the general public. A 14-person board of directors representing all sectors of the organic community, an expert advisory council and professional review panels oversee the organization's work. OMRI's primary mission is to publish and disseminate generic and specific (brand name) lists of materials allowed and prohibited for use in the production, processing, and handling of organic food and fiber. OMRI also conducts scientific research and education on the use of materials by the organic industry. OMRI disseminates information to certifiers, government programs, farmers, processors, handlers, and the general public. OMRI's role is advisory and educational; final decisions regarding generic materials and brand name products and ingredients reside with independent organic certifiers and government agencies. For more information on OMRI, call 541-343-7600 or visit www.omri.org.