What is the status of a new national Brand Name Products List?

Dedicated members of the Canadian Organic community, paid and volunteer, have been working to put together a Canadian Brand Name products list

ACORN (Atlantic Canada Organic Regional Network) has a  directory of inputs list which contains products used in eastern Canada   That framework is being used as a model for national Brand Name Products List  Initially the focus has been on developing the format and generic descriptive material for crops and soil inputs.  Relevant information from the national Standard and Permitted Substances list is also being incorporated.

At the end of April this list was in the process of being reviewed, 25% complete. The hope is that this list will be available by the end of the summer. In the meantime,  two contractors have been hired to start on developing  the descriptions for the processing and livestock listings.

When the format and the generic descriptions are completed, the next step will be to incorporate all inputs used in Canada.  These will be a combination of products approved by OMRI and available in Canada and in the case of the pesticides and growth regulators by OMRI and the PMRA plus inputs from certification bodies with enough documentation to ensure they met organic standards both in content and manufacturing process.

Once the list is complete, it is expected that the Organic Federation of Canada website will host the list. We know that many COABC Listees will appreciate this list and that when it is available you will find a link to it right here on our website.

“Can I use this product on my farm or in my processing plant?”

If you have been using a product that your CB allows, you can keep on doing so as long as they approve it until December 14, 2008.  Actually, it is quite likely that you will be able to continue using it after that date as well.  By then the National Directory of Inputs will be in place to guide you about any differences.

The following applies to any new product that you may wish to try in the meantime.  All are also subject to approval by your certifying body.

#1.  If a new pesticide product becomes available (including weeds, insects, mites, animals etc.), check to see if it has both of the following: a PCP number from the PMRA  and the OMRI logo. If either is not there you cannot use the product without risking decertification.  Remember too, even if it is registered by the PMRA and OMRI approved, you can only use  it for the crops and pests listed on the container.

#2. If a new fertilizer product or processing aid becomes available and there is an OMRI logo on it, you can use it.  If a product does not have the OMRI label but is 100% made up of approved materials on the COABC Materials list and there has been no processing involved, it would not be a risk for decertification. Otherwise advise the company with the new product to seek OMRI approval.

#3.  If a new livestock health product becomes available it must be registered with the CFIA (look for the DIN number) and must be OMRI approved.  Advise anyone with such a product which does not meet these two criteria to contact the respective bodies.

In the future the BNL will be called the Directory of Inputs and the generic materials list will be called the Permitted Substance List.  References would be to the National Standard after Dec 2008.