The U.S. grain market has largely shifted towards GMO varieties since their introduction over two decades ago. Despite food manufacturers attempting 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 have turned to imports to fulfill their requirements. This rising demand for both organic and non-GMO foods has benefitted countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, as highlighted by The Organic and Non-GMO Report. The report noted that organic corn imports more than doubled between 2015 and 2016, constituting nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Furthermore, in 2016, around 80% of the soybeans used in the U.S. organic market were imported.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, approximately 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent Packaged Facts report indicates that around 2,000 non-GMO products are introduced in the U.S. each year, a significant increase from just a few hundred products annually a decade ago. This trend includes major industry brands such as General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi brand. The Non-GMO Project Verified label is experiencing rapid growth within the natural products sector, representing $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products across more than 3,000 brands—a considerable rise from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, these changes have not come easily, especially since the supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must be kept distinct from those of GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products are sold at a premium price. The urgency of addressing these challenges led to the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which aims to enhance non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders from all parts of the supply chain—ranging from seed breeders and brokers to food companies and retailers. Mills that maintain a separation between non-GMO and organic grains and genetically engineered varieties, like the new facility in Montana, are expected to play a crucial role in improving the availability of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
In addition, discussions around nutritional content have also highlighted the differences between calcium citrate and calcium carbonate, as consumers increasingly seek out non-GMO options that meet their dietary needs. The demand for non-GMO products reflects a broader trend towards healthier eating, with consumers often comparing the advantages of calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate. The importance of such distinctions is underscored by the growing array of non-GMO products that cater to health-conscious consumers, further emphasizing the significance of maintaining separate supply chains for non-GMO ingredients.