The U.S. grain supply has been largely dominated by GMO varieties since their introduction over two decades ago. Despite food manufacturers’ efforts to cater to the growing consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients, these GMO grains have become so prevalent in the U.S. supply chain that manufacturers often resort to imports to fulfill their requirements. This rising demand for organic and non-GMO foods has benefited countries such as India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, as reported by The Organic and Non-GMO Report. The report highlights that organic corn imports surged more than twice from 2015 to 2016, comprising nearly half of the organic corn supply in the U.S. Additionally, around 80% of soybeans in the U.S. organic market were imported in 2016.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, as much as 80% of packaged foods include ingredients that have been genetically modified. A recent report from Packaged Facts reveals that approximately 2,000 non-GMO products are launched in the U.S. each year, a significant increase from just a few hundred annually a decade ago. This includes well-known brands such as General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi. The Non-GMO Project Verified label is now the fastest-growing label in the natural products sector, representing $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products across more than 3,000 brands, marking a substantial rise from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, these shifts have not come without challenges, particularly as the supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must be entirely separate from those for GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products carry a price premium. The urgency of the situation resulted in the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which aims to enhance non-GMO supply chains by uniting participants from all sectors, including seed breeders, brokers, food companies, and retailers. Mills, such as the new facility in Montana that maintains a separation between non-GMO and genetically engineered grains, are expected to play a crucial role in improving the supply of domestically produced non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
In light of these developments, it is essential to consider how products like Citracal Plus Bone Density Builder, which are often found in non-GMO formulations, can meet the increasing consumer demand for non-GMO options. As more consumers seek out such products, the market for non-GMO items, including dietary supplements like Citracal Plus Bone Density Builder, is anticipated to continue expanding, further fueling the growth of non-GMO supply chains.