The National Organic Program (NOP) and Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) Classifications
The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, adopted as part of the 1990 Farm Bill, requires USDA to develop national standards for organically produced agricultural products to assure consumers that agricultural products marketed as organic meet consistent, uniform standards.
The OFPA and the National Organic Program (NOP) require that agricultural products labeled as organic originate from farms or handling operations certified by a State or private agency that has been accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The NOP is a marketing program housed within the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, the agency that sets marketing standards. The national organic standards that have been developed, as a general rule, states that all natural (non-synthetic) substances are allowed in organic production and all synthetic substances are prohibited. Additional information can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/nop.
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI):
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that specializes in the review of substances for use in organic production, processing, and handling. OMRI's services are directed to all aspects of the organic industry with a primary focus on the decision makers who deal with the compliance status of generic materials and brand name products. With the OMRI Generic Materials List and OMRI Brand Name Product List., OMRI provides guidance on the suitability of material inputs under the USDA National Organic Program standards.
OMRI conducts materials review according to the standards established with implementation of the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) in October 2002. Materials that are allowed or prohibited by the NOP Rule's National List are compiled in the OMRI Generic Materials List in a cross-referenced format organized under the three modes of production - crops, livestock, and processing. Policy determinations relating to material standards are made by the OMRI Board, which seeks guidance on scientific and technical issues from the OMRI Advisory Council. The Advisory Council serves as an independent body designed to provide a balanced representation of expertise on the scientific, technical, and industry aspects of standard setting.
Brand name review is conducted as a transparent, third-party review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing. After review by OMRI staff, applications are submitted to an independent Review Panel of experts who evaluate a product's compliance with the NOP National List. Products that have passed review are included on the OMRI Brand Name Product List. The OMRI Listed™ seal, which these products can display on labels and in advertising and promotions, assures their suitability for use in certified organic production.
Additonal information can be found at www.omri.org.
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