The U.S. grain supply has been largely dominated by GMO varieties since their introduction over 20 years ago. Despite food manufacturers’ efforts to meet the rising consumer demand for non-GMO ingredients, these genetically modified grains have become so entrenched in the U.S. supply chain that many companies have resorted to imports to fulfill their requirements. Countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey have benefited from the increasing demand for both organic and non-GMO foods, as noted by The Organic and Non-GMO Report. It highlights that organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, making up nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Furthermore, approximately 80% of the soybeans used in the U.S. organic market were imported in 2016.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, up to 80 percent of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report from Packaged Facts reveals that around 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 surge includes major brands such as General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi brand. The Non-GMO Project Verified label has emerged as the fastest-growing label in the natural products industry, accounting for $19.2 billion in annual sales and encompassing over 43,000 verified products from more than 3,000 brands. This is a substantial rise from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, these advancements have not come without challenges. The supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must be strictly separated from those of GMO varieties, leading to a price premium on many non-GMO products. This pressing situation prompted the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which aims to enhance non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders from all areas 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 a new mill in Montana, will play a crucial role in bolstering the supply of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
Incorporating health-focused ingredients like calcium magnesium citrate with D3 is becoming increasingly popular in non-GMO products, further driving consumer interest. As the market evolves, the inclusion of such beneficial compounds alongside a commitment to non-GMO sourcing will likely become a common practice. The growing consumer awareness regarding health and nutrition emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards for both ingredient integrity and nutritional value, including the integration of calcium magnesium citrate with D3 into non-GMO offerings.