OMRI updates NOP Standards Manual

September 10, 2026

OMRI has updated the OMRI Standards Manual© including the OMRI Generic Materials List© to include various new categories, Use Class description amendments, and glossary entries related to organic mushroom and pet food production. All revisions are effective September 10, 2026.

The new regulations aimed at market development for organic mushrooms and pet food were originally published in December 2024. Rule implementation was then delayed until March 2025. Shortly thereafter, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, which houses the National Organic Program (NOP), proposed rescinding the regulation and opened a public comment period. No further notification followed to indicate that the rescission would proceed, and the updated mushroom and pet food regulations remain published in the Code of Federal Regulations. With the regulations published, and the enforcement clock ticking, the broader organic community has begun implementing the rule, and OMRI has moved to publish updated standards and product listing categories. 

While input manufacturers applying to OMRI must comply with the organic standards now, producers wishing to access the organic mushroom and pet food markets must comply with the new requirements by March 22, 2027.

Summary of changes:

• The Crop Fertilizers and Soil Amendments (CF) Use Class description was updated to include specific information about inputs with specific allowances related to organic mushroom production.
• Several new categories were added for inputs related to organic mushroom production. These include allowed and restricted categories for mushroom substrate mixes, material-specific restricted categories for nonorganic agricultural components of mushroom substrate, and educational categories related to mushroom spawn. The “Plants” (CF/CT) category was also updated to describe important exclusions related to mushroom production.
• The Livestock Feed Ingredients (LF) and Processing Ingredients and Aids (PI) Use Classes were updated to explain that pet food is squarely in the scope of processed organic product review, but can also contain synthetic vitamins and minerals permitted in livestock feed additives. 
• New categories were created for taurine as well as vitamins and minerals intended for use in pet food.
• The Glossary definitions were updated to include useful information about mushrooms and pet food.

OMRI will begin Limited Re-Reviews of products that currently appear on the OMRI Product List and are impacted by these changes. Any changes to the statuses of Listed products will be communicated via regular quarterly updates. OMRI welcomes any comments from affected stakeholders regarding our standards at any time.  Our dedication to continuous improvement of standards is not only limited to the two-year periodic update cycle.

The search feature at OMRI.org will be updated with the latest information on September 10, 2026. 

Contact Information:

Jarod Rhoades
Standards Manager
(541) 343-7600, ext. 107