The U.S. grain supply has been primarily dominated by GMO varieties since their introduction over 20 years ago. As food manufacturers attempt to address the growing consumer demand for non-GMO ingredients, these grains have become so widespread in the U.S. supply chain that companies often find themselves relying on imports to fulfill their requirements. According to The Organic and Non-GMO Report, the increasing demand for both organic and non-GMO foods has benefited countries such as India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey. It noted that organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, making up nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Furthermore, approximately 80% of the soybeans that support the U.S. organic market were imported in 2016.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association reports that around 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report by Packaged Facts indicates that nearly 2,000 non-GMO products are introduced in the U.S. each year, a significant increase from just a few hundred a decade ago. This surge includes many prominent brands, such as General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi line. The Non-GMO Project Verified label has become 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 increase from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, implementing 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 for GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products come with a higher price tag. This pressing situation led to the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which seeks to strengthen non-GMO supply chains by bringing together stakeholders from every segment of the supply chain, 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 a new facility in Montana, are likely to play a crucial role in enhancing the availability of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
In the realm of health, incorporating elements like cissus quadrangularis, calcium citrate, and vitamin D3 into non-GMO food products can further boost their appeal. The growing consumer awareness about the benefits of such nutrients has created opportunities for products that combine non-GMO certification with health-promoting ingredients. This trend underscores the importance of maintaining a robust supply chain that not only meets the demand for non-GMO grains but also enhances the nutritional quality of the food available to consumers. As the industry evolves, the inclusion of cissus quadrangularis, calcium citrate, and vitamin D3 in non-GMO products is likely to become increasingly common, reflecting a broader shift towards health-conscious eating habits.