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Buyer beware
Just because a soil amendment label says "organic" doesn't necessarily mean it meets NOP Standards. Soil amendments cannot be "certified organic," because they don't fall under the NOP Standards. (Some materials may be labeled "organic" based on the fact that they contain carbon.)
Even if a soil amendment says "meets NOP Standards" or bears the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) logo, you should still check with your certifier before you use it. It's your responsibility to make sure everything you bring onto your organic farm meets NOP Standards and your certifier's approval.
Review package ingredients against the National List, consult OMRI and check with your certifier before using any new product. Failure to do so could cost you three years' certification. And remember, any equipment used to apply organic amendments that might also be used to apply prohibited substances to non-organic fields must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent contamination.
This caution holds true for purchased compost and livestock feed mixes as well. If a product claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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 OMRIThe Organic Materials Review Institute OMRI is a nonprofit technical- assessment entity specializing in the review of substances for use in organic production, processing and handling. OMRI tests items submitted to it by manufacturers, then lists those that comply and may bear the OMRI label. However, final determination of product use rests with individual certifiers, in compliance with the NOP.
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