OMG, it's OMRI!

If you’re reading this article, you're probably in one of three places:

You've got the bug! You can already taste your organically grown basil-paired tomatoes and like nodding along to the info in these posts.

1. You're just starting out, maybe have purchased a bio-degradable pot at Home Depot... Whatever says, “Organic”, you say, “Sounds right.”
2. Or you're someplace in between or outside watering your plants.

But how would you know for sure that the products you buy or materials you use are really organic?

The Organic Materials Review Institute

The folks who direct the OMRI Advisory Board set up shop in 1996 for the purpose of evaluating materials allowed for use in organic production and processing. The USDA had issued a rule called the National Organic Program rule that caused all sorts of confusion about what the standards were to certify a material “organic.” The OMRI provided one-stop-shop for suppliers to get their product evaluated who, otherwise, would've wasted lots of time and money going to multiple reviewers. Doesn't sound very fun, but OMRI set the record straight and they continue to work with the USDA and the National Organic Standards Board to provide necessary guidance.

OMRI received ISO 65 accreditation from the USDA, which gave them global recognition as a competent certification body. Congrats OMRI!

Want to make sure your soil blend qualifies as organic? Already got your raised beds filled up and ready to add amendments? Check OMRI’s list of materials approved for organic growing. All of the items in our soil blend – Pine Bark Fines, Mushroom Compost and PermaTill, are listed, along with the ingredients in our amendment blend : Bone Meal, Dried Blood Meal, Kelp Meal, Rock Phosphate, Green Sand, And Dolomitic Limestone.

Got an insect pest problem in your garden or looking for a foliar spray to add supplemental potassium? Always look for the trusted OMRI Listed logo on product packaging.