The U.S. grain supply has been largely dominated by GMO varieties since their introduction over two decades ago. Despite food manufacturers’ attempts to cater to the rising consumer demand for non-GMO ingredients, these grains have become so widespread in the U.S. supply chain that companies often have to rely on imports to fulfill their requirements. The increasing demand for both organic and non-GMO foods has been beneficial for countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, as reported by The Organic and Non-GMO Report. The report highlights that organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, accounting for nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Furthermore, in 2016, around 80% of the soybeans used in the U.S. organic market were imported.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, approximately 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent Packaged Facts report indicates that around 2,000 non-GMO products are launched in the U.S. each year, a significant increase from just a few hundred products annually a decade ago. This surge includes many major brands within the industry, such as General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi brand. The Non-GMO Project Verified label has emerged as the fastest-growing certification in the natural products sector, representing $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products across more than 3,000 brands. This marks a substantial increase from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, achieving these changes has not been straightforward, particularly since the supply chains involved in storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must remain distinct from those of GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products are sold at a premium price. The urgency surrounding these challenges led to the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013. This organization aims to enhance non-GMO supply chains and brings together stakeholders from across the supply chain, including seed breeders, brokers, food companies, and retailers. Mills that separate non-GMO and organic grains from genetically engineered varieties, such as a new facility in Montana, are likely to play a crucial role in improving the availability of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
In this context, it is also important to consider the implications of various food additives, such as calcium citrate side effects, which can affect consumer choices. The increasing interest in non-GMO products might also prompt a reevaluation of the ingredients used in these products, making it essential to address potential concerns regarding calcium citrate side effects. As the market evolves, the attention to both non-GMO and organic options will likely continue to shape consumer behavior and industry practices.