The U.S. grain supply has been predominantly composed of GMO varieties since their introduction over two decades ago. Despite food manufacturers’ efforts to cater to the growing consumer demand for non-GMO ingredients, these GMO grains have become so embedded in the U.S. supply chain that many companies have resorted to importing non-GMO products to fulfill their requirements. This rising demand for both organic and non-GMO foods has benefited countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, as noted in The Organic and Non-GMO Report. The report highlights that organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, constituting nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Additionally, approximately 80% of the soybeans available for the U.S. organic market in 2016 were imported.

According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, around 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report from Packaged Facts reveals that about 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 major brands like General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi. The Non-GMO Project Verified label is the fastest-growing certification in the natural products sector, accounting for $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, implementing these changes has not been straightforward, especially as the supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must remain distinct from those of GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products come with a higher price tag. The pressing nature of this issue led to the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013. This organization aims to enhance non-GMO supply chains by bringing together stakeholders from all parts 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, like the new mill in Montana, are expected to play a crucial role in improving the availability of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.

Among the products in the non-GMO sector, one notable example is Citracal Petites, available at CVS. This product exemplifies the growing trend towards non-GMO offerings in the market. As the demand for non-GMO options continues to rise, more products like Citracal Petites at CVS are likely to emerge, catering to health-conscious consumers looking for alternatives to genetically modified ingredients. The landscape of non-GMO products is evolving, with a focus on quality and transparency that resonates with an increasingly discerning public.