The U.S. grain supply has been predominantly influenced by 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 found themselves relying on imports to meet their needs. According to The Organic and Non-GMO Report, this increasing demand for both organic and non-GMO foods has benefited countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, with organic corn imports more than doubling from 2015 to 2016, constituting 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.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association reports that as much as 80% of packaged foods contain ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms. A recent report from Packaged Facts indicates that around 2,000 non-GMO products are launched annually in the U.S., a significant increase from just a few hundred per year a decade ago. This growth includes major industry brands like 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 from more than 3,000 brands. This marks a substantial rise from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, implementing these changes has not been straightforward, particularly given the need for supply chains that handle non-GMO grains to remain distinct from those dealing with GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products come with a higher price tag. The urgency surrounding this issue led to the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which aims to fortify non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders across the entire supply chain—from seed breeders and brokers to food companies and retailers. Mills that successfully separate non-GMO and organic grains from their genetically modified counterparts, such as a new facility in Montana, will likely play a crucial role in enhancing the availability of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
In light of this evolving landscape, consumers are increasingly aware of the potential side effects associated with various dietary choices, including the use of calcium citrate supplements. This awareness may further drive the demand for transparency in food sourcing and ingredient integrity, highlighting the importance of non-GMO options. As the market continues to shift, the focus on non-GMO products and their supply chains is expected to remain a priority for both consumers and producers alike.