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Organic Materials Review Institute Launches New OMRI Listed Seal Program for Organic Farmers and ProcessorsOctober 1999For immediate release
Contact: Kathleen Downey
Eugene, Ore.-What kind of fertilizer, insect control substance, or weed control material is acceptable for use on organic farms?
Before the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) began its comprehensive catalog of products, organic farmers and processors faced an often bewildering selection of farm and processing inputs from manufacturers catering to the blossoming organic trade. Five years ago, claims poured forth from fertilizer and pest control manufacturers and much heated debate was conducted in organic certification circles over the actual "organicness" of the inputs.
OMRI was founded in 1997 to help organic farmers and producers sort out the technical aspects of organic production. The Organic Materials Review Institute's mission is to provide professional, independent, and transparent review of materials and compatible processes allowed to produce, process, and handle organic food and fiber.
OMRI Executive Director Kathleen Downey says, "Now there is a new seal for organic farmers and processors that clearly identifies a product OMRI lists for use in their organic operation."
Manufacturers of organic inputs will also be pleased with this innovative new seal program. With the new OMRI seal displayed in their advertising or directly printed on their packaging, their customers can easily identify products that have successfully gone through OMRI's strict review process.
The OMRI Brand Name Products List represents the organic
industry's most comprehensive catalog to date of allowed and
regulated products in organic agriculture. After a comprehensive
review by OMRI technical staff, a review panel of leading experts
from the organic industry votes on a product's status. OMRI also
produces the OMRI Generic Materials List that offers
recommendations regarding the acceptability of generic materials
used in organic production, processing, and handling.
Ms. Downey says: "The new OMRI Listed trademark seal can only be
used to promote a product that has completed our comprehensive
review program. This seal is an important step forward in ensuring
the public receives food and fiber grown and processed to the
highest organic standards."
For more information, please contact:
Kathleen Downey, Executive Director |