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OMRI welcomes media inquiries. Feel free to contact our materials and organic policy experts by calling the office and describing the nature of your inquiry. Our staff will connect you with the best person for your inquiry. Media visitors are also encouraged to download this overview of OMRI with frequently asked questions.

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The OMRI communications team maintains a press list for occasional press releases about the activities of the organization and regulations on materials for organic use. Please email marketing@omri.org to add your email to our press list.

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Below you will find our most recent press releases.

OMRI Announces New Staff

(April 9, 2013) OMRI is pleased to welcome several new staff members to help the organization provide a robust and efficient service for the organic community. In order to expand OMRI's resources and provide enhanced support for organic integrity, the organization is actively creating a sustainable organizational and management structure.

OMRI Welcomes Comments for Upcoming Revisions

(December 13, 2012) In order to continue improving review policies, procedures, and standards, OMRI plans to revise the Policy and Standards Manual© and Generic Materials List©. OMRI encourages participation by all interested parties in the continuous improvement and development of OMRI policies and standards.

OMRI Updates Generic Materials List

(November 1, 2012) In response to changes from the National Organic Program (NOP), the OMRI Board of Directors recently voted to make several changes to the OMRI Generic Materials List© (GML). The update became effective on October 17, 2012.

OMRI Announces New Contracts with the USDA

(October 15, 2012) The USDA has contracted with OMRI to complete two critical projects for the organic industry. Once again, OMRI was chosen to produce a list of substances allowed in organic production, this time focusing on livestock materials. The list will be published by the National Organic Program (NOP) as a draft guidance.

OMRI Updates Generic Materials List

(July 30, 2012) Responding to recent changes in policy from the National Organic Program (NOP), the Board of Directors has voted to update the OMRI Generic Materials List© (GML). The update became effective on June 27, 2012.

OMRI Announces New Inspection Fees

(June 29, 2012) In the past, OMRI charged product suppliers for all direct inspection costs, plus 25% of costs not related to inspector travel, for all high nitrogen liquid fertilizer and for-cause inspections and sampling. A deposit was collected before the inspection, and OMRI billed or refunded additional money after the inspection costs were calculated.

OMRI Welcomes New Board Members

(June 12, 2012) OMRI (The Organic Materials Review Institute) announces the appointment of Margaret McGrath, Ph.D.; Jennifer Scott, "Coach" Mark Smallwood, and Jackie von Ruden to the OMRI Board of Directors. OMRI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the largest materials review organization for the U.S. organic industry.

(March 1, 2012) In a federal court last week, Peter Townsley quietly entered a plea of guilty to two charges of mail fraud in connection with his former company, California Liquid Fertilizer.

NOP Notice Regarding Sodium Nitrate

(September 21, 2012) On October 21, 2012, there will be a change to the status of sodium nitrate used in organic production. On September 12, 2012, the National Organic Program (NOP) issued a notice to the organic industry regarding the use of sodium nitrate (also known as Chilean nitrate) in organic crop production. You may view the notice here:

OMRI Seeks Canadian Project Committee Members

(February 9, 2012) The committee’s primary goal will be to explore the regulatory environment in Canada, to advise OMRI regarding Canadian standards for materials, and to help establish an OMRI review program that will serve the needs of the Canadian organic community. The committee will be temporary, and participation is strictly voluntary.

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