Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)

Evaluation Tool

Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)

Tool Category

Standards, Certifications & Labels

At a Glance

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a third party institute that provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers, and suppliers with an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing. Approved products are placed on the OMRI Products List©, and may be used on operations that are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program. Retailers should note that products included on the OMRI Products List© have been reviewed against standards developed by OMRI for assessing compliance with the NOP rule and are searchable on a web accessible database.

Tool Website(s)

www.omri.org/

Tool Owner/Sponsor

Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)

Type of Entity

Non-profit

Focus of Evaluation

Substances

Product Stage of Life Evaluated

Raw materials, manufacturing

Impact(s) Evaluated

Ecological health, human health

Tool Description

OMRI reviews of products can be used in the following ways:

1. Farmers and processors: in order to maintain their status as organic producers, they can access OMRI lists to be certain that the products they use are acceptable under USDA NOP.
2. Certifiers: they can use OMRI lists while evaluating farms and processing operations for organic certification.
3. Product suppliers: manufacturers of inputs for use in organic production can use OMRI's input certification program, and after certification, can benefit from being listed on OMRI's website as a certified supplier with an OMRI Seal.
4. Retailers: products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing can be verified on the OMRI Products List©. Only these products can display the OMRI Listed seal on product labels and in advertising and promotion.

Product Categories

Food & Beverage; Lawn & Garden

Tool Requirements

Product suppliers (manufacturers) must provide full disclosure of ingredients and manufacturing processes. This information is strictly confidential.

Cost of Tool

A fee of $40 fee is required for product suppliers to initiate the application process.

There are two additional components to the review fees: an annual supplier fee ($410-$2,070 per year, depending on the supplier's gross sales) and a per product application fee. The sum of these two fees are the total review fee.

Both fees are renewed annually.

For more information, click here: www.omri.org/suppliers/review-cost

Evaluation Frequency

Renewals for products appearing in the OMRI Products List© are required annually; ongoing compliance reviews are conducted every 5 years. Products may be subject to product change reviews (if the product changes), limited re-reviews for NOP Standards changes, inspections (random, for cause, or NOP Mandated), and/or investigations.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: The OMRI Listed Seal is recognized worldwide.

Weaknesses: A product that is not OMRI listed does not mean it can not be used by organic growers. Some companies cannot justify the cost of being OMRI listed.

Examples of Retailers That Use It

Home Depot

Similar Tools that Serve the Same Industry or Product Category

National Organic Program (NOP)

For More Information

Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI): (541) 343-7600 x105, apply@omri.org