Suterra's CheckMate^® Puffer^® OFM-O achieves OMRI organic certification

Suterra, the global leader in sustainable pheromone pest control, announced that their CheckMate^® Puffer^® OFM-O is now listed with the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic agricultural production. While its Puffer^® OFM-O has been approved for organic production by the EPA since 2017, having an OMRI certification makes it easier for organic producers to obtain their own certifications on harvested fruit. This also underscores Suterra’s efforts to provide environmentally friendly pest control solutions for growers worldwide.

″Suterra is committed to empowering growers with the tools they need to tackle pest challenges using innovative, high-quality, and sustainable solutions,″ said Carlos Bassa, Senior Director of North America at Suterra. ″The OMRI certification of our Puffer^® OFM-O makes life easier for organic growers and the pest control advisers who support them. We share their dedication to environmental stewardship and are excited to help them meet the growing consumer demand for high-quality, organic stone fruit.″

The Oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta) poses a significant threat to stone fruit and pome fruit orchards. The larvae of the pest cause extensive economic damage across a variety of crops, including peaches, pears, nectarines, plums, cherries, and apples. In the United States, the surge in consumer demand for these crops is transforming the agricultural landscape, particularly surrounding organic production.

The Puffer^® OFM-O utilizes pheromone technology to disrupt the mating cycle of Oriental fruit moths, which in turn reduces their overall populations and minimizes damage to crops. By mimicking the natural sexual pheromones of the pest, the Puffer^® OFM-O is designed to confuse male moths and prevent them from locating female moths, which ultimately reduces reproduction. This method is highly effective and safe for beneficial insects, making it an ideal choice for organic and integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

The use of Suterra’s CheckMate^® Puffer^® OFM-O may also prevent the development of chemical resistance to other insecticides. That means that farmers can use less insecticide and prolong the length of efficacy for traditional chemical controls. This is important because, as Suterra’s Business Development Manager, Natalia Gamarra-Cockle explains, ″Organic growers have an ever-shrinking toolbox of pest control options despite the growing consumer demand for organic fruit. It’s particularly true for growers dedicated to using active ingredients that are made in the United States. At Suterra, we provide crop protection retailers with the two things they want most: in-demand solutions that meet grower needs and a reliable, predictable supply chain."

Now, with OMRI certification, the Puffer^® OFM-O joins Suterra's large portfolio of organic-certified products, enabling growers to implement more sustainable and eco-friendly practices. As the demand for organic produce continues to grow, this certification provides growers with a trusted tool that aligns with organic farming standards, helping them meet market demands while maintaining the health of their crops and the environment.

Suterra’s CheckMate^® Puffer^® OFM-O is available in the following states: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington.