Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is an international non-profit organization that determines which input products are allowed for use in organic production and processing. OMRI Listed® products are allowed for use in certified organic operations under the USDA National Organic Program. The OMRI Canada program, also lists products for use under the Canadian Organic Standards. OMRI's funding comes from a variety of sources, including sales of publications, grants, donations, and subscriptions. Mainly, however, the organization generates income through fees collected for the review of products intended for use in organic production or processing. A professional staff of 31 run the organization's various programs and administration out of the Eugene, Oregon office. The OMRI staff is governed by a Board of Directors, which is broadly representative of the organic industry. Board members represent certifiers, farmers, input suppliers, processors, handlers, consumer organizations, and animal welfare and environmental groups. The OMRI Advisory Council is composed of independent, professional experts from industry, academia, and public interest groups in the organic community. The Advisory Council makes policies and standards recommendations to the Board of Directors. There are four OMRI Review Panels: Crops, Livestock, Processing and Handling, and a separate Review Panel for all products reviewed under Canada Organic Regime (COR) standards. They make decisions on product applications for the OMRI Review Program.