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OMRI Materials Review

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What forms of irradiation are prohibited in organic production?

Different kinds of radiation have a variety of functions and purposes. For example, governments may use gamma irradiation to perform non-invasive searches of containers crossing their countries’ borders. X-rays are another commonly used method of inspection. Microwaves used in food preparation emit microwave radiation. Are these methods considered “ionizing radiation,” and therefore prohibited under the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) regulations for...

The National Organic Program regulations states at §205.237(b)(6) that "the producer of an organic [livestock] operation must not: use feed, feed additives, and feed supplements in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act)." How can organic livestock operators avoid violating this act in their organic livestock feed practices?

The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&CA) of 1938 was passed after an untested pharmaceutical killed 107 people, including children. Among many provisions, the law...

Are charcoal, ash or biochar allowed as soil amendments in USDA organic farming?

By Brian Baker

The terms “charcoal,” “ash” and “biochar” are often used interchangeably, especially within the context of material review. The answer to whether these materials are allowed in USDA organic production depends on how they’re made. If these materials are produced by burning plants or animal materials (e.g., bones), they are permitted as a soil amendment on organic farms. 

Charcoal, ash and biochar produced by burning...

Is it possible to make organic food colors from organically produced crops?

By Brian Baker

Yes. A number of common fruits and vegetables are used to add color to various foods. These include beets, blueberries, radishes, pumpkins, carrots, grapes and cabbage. In addition, some more exotic crops such as annatto, aronia, hibiscus, turmeric and saffron are also used, sometimes grown specifically for use as a coloring agent. 

Organic producers and handlers should be aware that there are technical requirements in...

How does OMRI review homeopathic treatments for livestock under the COR standards, and how does this differ from NOP review?

By Phoebe Judge

Homeopathy is a medical approach often used in biodynamic farming. Homeopathic treatments can be diluted botanical tinctures that producers use to treat symptoms ranging from skin problems to respiratory discomfort. Homeopathy and biodynamic production may be compatible with both USDA and Canadian organic production, and farms must meet organic standards before they can be...

My cows have ox warble flies. What tools, practices, or products are available to certified organic dairies?

By Brian Baker

 Warble flies (Hypoderma bovis and Hypoderma lineatum) lay their eggs on the rumps and hind legs of cattle in the spring. When the eggs hatch, the grub larvae burrow under the skin. The burrowing damages the hide, irritates the cattle, and with severe infestations can cause a drop in milk production. Cultural management...

Insights from OMRI’s Founders on its 25th Anniversary

By Matt Sircely

OMRI Executive Director Peggy Miars hosted a video forum last year featuring five of OMRI’s founders. In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of OMRI’s inception, we again invited the founders to consider lessons learned and advice to keep in mind as OMRI looks toward the next quarter century.

Founding OMRI Board Member Emily Brown Rosen describes “when there was no national...

Copper products such as copper sulfate are considered “Allowed with Restrictions” in organic farming. The annotation on the National List states that they “must be used in a manner that minimizes accumulation of copper in the soil.” How can they be applied so that copper won’t accumulate?

As an elemental contaminant, copper is prone to build up in the soil after repeated use, resulting in phytoxicity and damage to soil organisms, especially in orchards and vineyards. Plants and soil organisms differ widely in their tolerance...

What forms of sulfur dioxide can be used to make wine from organically grown grapes? In particular, can potassium metabisulfite be used?

By Brian Baker

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a gas at standard temperature and pressure. It appears on the National List at §205.605(b), which permits its use so long as it is limited to the production of wine labeled “made with organic grapes,” provided that the total sulfite concentration does not exceed 100 parts per million (ppm). SO2 can be delivered as a gas...

Is hydrogenated corn oil allowed as a pesticide inert?

By Katherine Rola

Both organic and conventional agricultural practices utilize pesticides to prevent damage and losses due to...