FAQ – Orchex 796 Organic Approval

Following are several frequently asked questions about Orchex 796 approval for use in organically approved materials.

Q.
 Can Orchex 796 be used in products approved by OMRI (and other state programs) for use on “organic” crops?
A.
 Yes. Orchex 796 meets all of the specifications for use in OMRI approved products.
 
Q.
 Why doesn’t Calumet get Orchex 796 put on the OMRI list?
A.
 OMRI and other state organic food programs only list end-use products (products actually used on the crop) on their materials list. Components of those products can not be put on the list. All components, however, must meet very specific standards established by the National Organic Program to be used in organic products.
   
Q.
 I am a formulator. If I use Orchex 796 in the formulation of an OMRI approved horticultural spray oil, can I also use it as an inert/other ingredient in another organically approved pesticide formulation without any problems?
A.
 Yes. Since Orchex 796 complies with the definition for narrow range oils on the NOP list, it can be used as either an active ingredient in an end-use spray oil or as an inert ingredient in another type of pesticide formulation.
   
Q.
 What are the requirements for a horticultural spray oil as defined by the NOP?
A.
 The definition published in the Federal Registers is as follows (see link below): “Narrow range oils are defined as petroleum derivatives, predominately of paraffinic and napthenic fractions with a 50-percent boiling point (10 mm Hg) between 415F and 440F.” This definition can be found in several places in the final rule published on the NOP link web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0 (Search “National Organic Program, Regulations, Definitions”)
   
Q.
 I have a base oil that has a 50% boiling point of 443°F, and the supplier calls it a “440 oil;” can I use that in an end-use product that is on OMRI’s materials list?
A.
 No. The range specified is 415°F - 440°F in the definition. Any oil outside that range can not qualify as an acceptable component of an organically approved end-use product. Orchex 796 fits the definition and if you use it pesticide formulations, you need not be concerned about organic approval.