Episode 9: Organic Materials Review Institute Orsi Dezsi - How Organic Inputs Are Approved

Orsi Dezsi is the Executive Director of the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).

Orsi holds a B.A. in History and Russian & Eastern European Studies, and a Master's in Public Administration, with a focus in Nonprofit Management. For the past 20 years, she has worked closely with the regulatory community, industry stakeholders, and clients to navigate the evolving global regulatory landscape in both equipment design and food contact material regulations. Outside of work, Orsi is actively involved in the community by volunteering at a local animal rescue and food pantry.

Founded in 1997, the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a nonprofit organization which provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers, and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing. When companies apply, OMRI reviews their products against the USDA Organic or Canada Organic Regime standards. Acceptable products are OMRI Listed and appear on the OMRI Products List. OMRI also provides subscribers and certifiers guidance on the acceptability of various material inputs in general under the organic standards.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 1:24 – Introduction

1:24 – 2:49 – What is the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and what type of work does it do?

2:49 – 4:17 – How did OMRI begin and why was it originally created?

4:17 – 5:54 – How does OMRI work with input producers, organic certifiers, and organic farmers?

5:54 – 7:25 – How is OMRI connected with the US Department of Agriculture National Organic Program which develops the rules and regulations for all USDA certified organic products?

7:25 – 8:30 – What is the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) and what type of work do they do?

8:30 – 10:14 – What is the OMRI products list and what types of products may someone find there?

10:14 – 11:44 – How do input producers apply to have their products become OMRI listed?

11:44 – 13:01 – How does OMRI work with experts to independently and transparently verify input materials that are used in organic farming?

13:01 – 14:47 – How does OMRI provide technical assistance and who does it offer it to?

14:47 – 15:59 – How does OMRI offer education and outreach and who does it offer it to?

15:59 – 17:26 – What are some of the inputs that can be used by certified organic producers?

17:26 – 18:24 – What is an organic system plan and how is that used in the certification process?

18:24 – 21:47 – What is the current state of organic agriculture in the United States and where do you think it will go in the future?

21:47 – 22:42 – Things to share and wrap up

ORGANIC MATERIALS REVIEW INSTITUTE INFORMATION

The Organic Materials Review Institute: https://www.omri.org/

The Organic Materials Review Institute Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OMRIorganic

The Organic Materials Review Institute YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4PLuF4vgX2fW9kvy_ADBmQ

RESOURCES

Organic Materials Review Institute Lists: https://www.omri.org/omri-lists

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

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TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Organic

Organic Certified

Organic Inputs

Organic Materials Review Institute

OMRI