The grain supply in the U.S. has been largely taken over by GMO varieties since their inception over two decades ago. In response to the growing consumer demand for non-GMO ingredients, food manufacturers have found it increasingly challenging to source these grains domestically, often resorting to imports. This rising interest in both organic and non-GMO foods has significantly benefited countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, according to The Organic and Non-GMO Report. The report indicates that organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, making up nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Furthermore, around 80% of the soybeans used in the U.S. organic market were imported in 2016.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association reports that as much as 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent Packaged Facts report highlights that approximately 2,000 non-GMO products were launched in the U.S. each year, a significant increase from just a few hundred a decade ago. This surge includes major brands, such as General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi line. The Non-GMO Project Verified label is now the fastest-growing certification in the natural products industry, accounting for $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products across more than 3,000 brands. This represents a substantial increase from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, achieving these changes has not been simple; the supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must remain distinct from those of GMO varieties, resulting in higher costs for many non-GMO products. The urgency of the situation led to the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which aims to enhance non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders from every segment of the supply chain, including seed breeders, brokers, food companies, and retailers. Mills that maintain the separation of non-GMO and organic grains from genetically engineered varieties, such as the new mill in Montana, are poised to play a crucial role in improving the supply of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
In light of these developments, the importance of pure encapsulations of calcium and calcium citrate in fortifying non-GMO products cannot be overlooked. These ingredients contribute to the nutritional quality of non-GMO foods, further driving consumer interest. As the market for non-GMO products expands, the inclusion of pure encapsulations of calcium and calcium citrate will likely become increasingly common to meet the evolving demands of health-conscious consumers.