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Updated: 7/1/2009

Materials Lists & Material Registration

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WSDA Registered Material Label
 

Materials List and Information

Organic farming is based on using natural methods for building soil fertility and managing insects, weeds, and disease. Most synthetic materials are prohibited. The National Organic Program (NOP) allows the use of all natural substances (materials) unless they are specifically prohibited (e.g. strychnine and nicotine are prohibited). Under the NOP all synthetic substances (materials) are prohibited unless they are approved on the National List.

Washington State organic growers have several sources for determining what materials are allowed in organic production: the National List and the WSDA Brand Name Materials Lists (BNML). In addition, the Organic Food Program recognizes the Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI) Products List. All operators certified by the Organic Food Program may use the products on this list in their organic system. The OMRI Products List can be found at www.omri.org or a hard copy can be ordered by calling our office at (360) 902-1805.

The WSDA Brand Name Materials List is a list of brand name products that have been evaluated to determine that they comply with organic standards. Products listed on the BNML are for use in organic production.

Materials Lists and Information

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    Input Approval under NOP Regulations: Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizers

There have been recent allegations of fraudulent activities in the fertilizer industry specifically regarding allegations of the fortification of liquid fertilizers with synthetic nitrogen.  Sources of nitrogen on an organic farm must be from nonsynthetic materials, such as feather meal, blood meal, manure and fish products.   While synthetic sources of nitrogen such as urea and ammonia, are less expensive than nonsynthetic sources, and can deliver more nitrogen per pound of fertilizer, they do not meet the organic standards and are prohibited for use in organic crop production.   

On February 20 and March 4, 2009, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) responded to allegations of the adulteration of liquid fertilizers by issuing policy statements that indicated that the use of two specific products, Marizyme and Agrolizer (products manufactured by Port Organic Products but distributed by Agromar, Inc.), may put certified organic operations at risk.  In addition, the NOP called for increased scrutiny of liquid fertilizer inputs claiming over 3% nitrogen.   

As a WSDA certified organic producer, you must first be sure that you are meeting the criteria for soil condition and soil fertility management under NOS 205.203.  This includes the following requirements

·         The producer must select and implement tillage and cultivation practices that maintain or improve the physical, chemical, and biological condition of soil and minimize soil erosion.
 ·         The producer must manage crop nutrients and soil fertility through rotations, cover crops, and the application of plant and animal materials.
·         The producer must manage plant and animal materials to maintain or improve soil organic matter content in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited substances. 

You must also be sure that the materials you are using on your operation are listed in your Organic System Plan.  If you are listing generic materials (such as "fish fertilizer"), be sure that the brand name you are using is an approved product.  Please refer to the WSDA Brand Name Material List or the OMRI Organic Products List for a list of brand name products that have been reviewed and approved for use in organic production and handling.   

You can read the full text of the NOP policy statement by clicking on the link below.  As always, if you have any questions pertaining to materials that are used on your operation, please do not hesitate to contact your certification reviewer directly or call our receptionist at (360) 902-1805 to be directed to your reviewer. 
    Input Approval under NOP Regulations: Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizers (PDF 45KB)
    Liquid Fertilizers, Port Organic Products, Ltd. (PDF 24KB)

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 Board of Directors is broadly representative of the industry segments with members distributed among certifiers, farmers, suppliers, processors, handlers, consumer organizations, and animal welfare and environmental groups. 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.

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Material Registration Packet

For registering the material, please download the following information as needed.

1. New Applicant - New Application Forms - Must be completed and mailed with appropriate fees to the Organic Food Program. Please notice there are fill able forms available for your convenience.

2. Renewal Applicant - Application Forms and Information - Must be completed and mailed to the Organic Food Program. Please notice there are fill able forms available for your convenience.

If you have any questions regarding the Material Registration, please contact the WSDA Organic Food Program at (360) 902-1805 or email organic@agr.wa.gov.

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