The U.S. grain market has been largely influenced by GMO varieties since their introduction over 20 years ago. Despite food manufacturers’ efforts to cater to the rising consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients, these grains have become so entrenched in the U.S. supply chain that imports are often necessary to fulfill demand. According to The Organic and Non-GMO Report, the increasing appetite for both organic and non-GMO foods has benefited countries such as India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey. For instance, organic corn imports surged more than double from 2015 to 2016, constituting nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Moreover, in 2016, approximately 80% of the soybeans used in the U.S. organic market were sourced from imports.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association indicates that around 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report by Packaged Facts highlights that about 2,000 non-GMO products are launched annually in the U.S., a significant increase from just a few hundred a decade ago. This includes major brands like General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi line. The Non-GMO Project Verified label is now the fastest-growing in the natural products sector, representing $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products from more than 3,000 brands—a notable increase from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, achieving these changes has not been straightforward, as maintaining separate supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains from their GMO counterparts is essential. Consequently, many non-GMO products, including calcium citrate petites, often 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 bolster non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders across the entire supply chain—from seed breeders and brokers to food companies and retailers. Mills that ensure non-GMO and organic grains are kept distinct from genetically engineered varieties, such as a new facility in Montana, are likely to play a crucial role in enhancing the availability of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds, including those that feature calcium citrate petites.