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Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can I use Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in my product? There are no instances where GMOs can be used in organic processing. To find out more, you will want to check out OMRI's Definition and Current OMRI Policy on GMOs page. 2. How can I get my product listed? We have a whole page dedicated to that very topic... 3. My product is listed. How can I get the OMRI Listed™ Seal? You can download the seal from this page. You can also ask us for a file that will suit your needs. 4. I have already ordered the
Application Kit. How can I
receive extra copies of the application forms? You can complete the Pre-Application Form and submit
it us by mail, email or fax. It is used to request specific application
instructions and forms for your product type. If you are interested in
applying for the first time, please read this page.
5. Where can I get more information? These are the most important sources of information: You can also check the list of OMRI Certifying Subscribers Click Here
for a list of more
helpful links. No. Products approved by OMRI are
not eligible to use the USDA Certified Organic Seal or make claims that
they are certified organic.
7. Why is OMRI not USDA
accredited as an organic certifier? The reason lays in a basic understanding of two different types of certification offered in the organic industry. The first type is for the foods, fibers, and feeds. These products are eligible to be call "Certified Organic" and carry the USDA's seal for organic products. The second type is for the products used to grow or produce organic foods, feed, or fibers. They include substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, and other materials used on the farm or in the food processing facility. They are not eligible to carry the USDA seal or be called "certified organic." These types of products are either allowed or not allowed for use in organic agriculture or food processing. Because the job of determining whether the inputs are allowed can be a tough one, OMRI has dedicated itself to the task exclusively. This means that OMRI reviews and approves material inputs to organic agriculture to determine whether they are allowed under US organic rules. If they are, then OMRI assists with the promotion of those inputs by licensing our seal of approval, OMRI Listed, and includes them in our directory viewed and trusted by thousands of organic farmers and gardeners throughout North America. OMRI is unique. Although we are a certifier, we are not an organic food/fiber/feed certifier. Therefore, we are not eligible for accreditation by the USDA. Instead, OMRI has recently achieved ISO accreditation. The audit and accreditation was coincidentally done by the USDA (actually the Audit, Review and Compliance Division). USDA auditors confirmed that OMRI solely uses the National Organic Program Rule. See this recent press release. However, while ineligible for USDA organic certifier accreditation, the National Organic Program has recently acknowledged our vital role. A March 5th memo published on the NOP website explains this to the accredited certifiers and the public. |
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