The U.S. grain supply has been predominantly comprised of GMO varieties since their introduction over 20 years ago. Despite food manufacturers’ efforts to cater to the growing consumer demand for non-GMO ingredients, these genetically modified grains have become so widespread in the U.S. supply chain that many companies have turned to imports to fulfill their needs. According to The Organic and Non-GMO Report, the rising demand for both organic and non-GMO foods has been beneficial for countries such as India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey. Notably, organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, representing 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 up to 80 percent of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report by Packaged Facts indicates that approximately 2,000 non-GMO products are launched annually in the U.S., a significant rise from just a few hundred a decade ago. This category includes well-known brands like 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 sector, boasting $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products from 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, especially since the supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must remain distinct from those dealing with GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products tend to carry a price premium. The urgency surrounding these issues led to the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013. This organization aims to enhance non-GMO supply chains by uniting participants from all sectors of the supply chain, including seed breeders, brokers, food companies, and retailers. Mills that maintain separate facilities for non-GMO and organic grains, such as a new mill in Montana, are likely to play a crucial role in improving the domestic supply of non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
To further support this shift, the integration of calcium citrate as a source of elemental calcium in non-GMO products has also gained traction. This addition can enhance the nutritional profile of these products, making them more appealing to health-conscious consumers. As the market for non-GMO foods continues to expand, the demand for high-quality ingredients like calcium citrate will likely increase, reinforcing the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in the non-GMO supply chain.