The U.S. grain market has been largely dominated by GMO varieties since their inception over two decades ago. Despite food manufacturers’ efforts to cater to the rising consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients, these GMO grains have become so widespread within the U.S. supply chain that many companies are now sourcing imports to fulfill their requirements. The growing demand for both organic and non-GMO foods has benefitted 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 between 2015 and 2016, making up nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Additionally, around 80% of the soybeans used in the U.S. organic market were imported in 2016.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, approximately 80% of packaged foods include genetically modified ingredients. A recent report from Packaged Facts indicates that around 2,000 non-GMO products are introduced in the U.S. each year, a significant increase from just a few hundred annually a decade ago. This includes major brands such as General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi line. The Non-GMO Project Verified label has emerged as the fastest-growing certification in the natural products sector, boasting annual sales of $19.2 billion and over 43,000 verified products from more than 3,000 brands. This represents a considerable rise from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, implementing these changes is challenging, as the supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must be distinct from those for GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products come with a premium price tag. The urgency of this issue led to the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which aims to enhance non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders across the entire supply network—from seed breeders and brokers to food manufacturers and retailers. Mills that segregate non-GMO and organic grains from genetically engineered varieties, such as a new facility in Montana, are expected to play a crucial role in bolstering the availability of domestically produced non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
Incorporating essential nutrients like calcium citrate malate, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D3 into non-GMO food products is becoming increasingly important in meeting consumer health demands. As the market evolves, the emphasis on these nutrients is likely to persist, reinforcing the significance of non-GMO options that also deliver on nutritional value.