The U.S. grain supply has been predominantly made up of GMO varieties since their introduction over two decades ago. Although food manufacturers have attempted to cater to the rising consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients, these grains have become so entrenched in the U.S. supply chain that companies often turn to imports to fulfill their requirements. Countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey have benefitted from the growing demand for organic and non-GMO foods, as highlighted by The Organic and Non-GMO Report. The report reveals that organic corn imports surged more than twofold from 2015 to 2016, comprising 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.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, up to 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report from Packaged Facts indicates that nearly 2,000 non-GMO products are introduced in the U.S. annually, a significant increase from just a few hundred a decade ago. This trend includes major brands like General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi. The Non-GMO Project Verified label is the fastest growing in the natural products sector, boasting $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products from more than 3,000 brands, a remarkable rise from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, these advancements have not come without challenges, especially since the supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must remain distinct from those for GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products tend to carry a price premium. The urgency of these issues gave rise to the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which seeks to enhance non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders from all sectors, including seed breeders, brokers, food companies, and retailers. Mills that ensure non-GMO and organic grains are kept separate from genetically engineered varieties, such as a new mill in Montana, are expected to play a critical role in improving the supply of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
As consumers increasingly celebrate non-GMO options, including products like calcium citrate chews, the demand for transparency and quality continues to grow. The commitment to maintain separate supply chains for non-GMO products is vital for ensuring that consumers can confidently choose options that align with their preferences, such as calcium citrate chews that are free from GMO ingredients. By focusing on these distinctions, the industry can better serve those who wish to celebrate their choices with non-GMO products, including the popular calcium citrate chews that are gaining traction in health-conscious markets.