The U.S. grain supply has been largely influenced by GMO varieties since their introduction over two decades ago. Despite food manufacturers’ efforts to cater to the rising consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients, these GMO grains have become so widespread in the U.S. supply chain that companies often resort to imports to fulfill their requirements. According to The Organic and Non-GMO Report, the increased demand for both organic and non-GMO foods has benefited countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey. For instance, organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, representing nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Additionally, in 2016, around 80% of the soybeans used in the U.S. organic market were sourced from imports.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association reports that as much as 80% of packaged foods include genetically modified ingredients. However, a recent report from Packaged Facts indicates that approximately 2,000 non-GMO products are introduced in the U.S. each year, a significant increase from only a few hundred a decade ago. This trend includes major brands like General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi brand. The Non-GMO Project Verified label has emerged as the fastest-growing certification in the natural products sector, with annual sales reaching $19.2 billion and over 43,000 verified products across more than 3,000 brands. This marks a substantial rise from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
Despite these advancements, transitioning to non-GMO products has proven challenging due to the need for separate supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains, which must be kept distinct from their GMO counterparts. Consequently, many non-GMO products carry a price premium. The urgency surrounding these issues led to the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which seeks to enhance non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders from all segments 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, such as a new mill in Montana, are expected to play a crucial role in improving the availability of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
Interestingly, many of these non-GMO food products are also fortified with essential nutrients like calcium, contributing around 315 mg per serving, which adds to their appeal among health-conscious consumers. As the demand for non-GMO foods continues to grow, the incorporation of vital nutrients like calcium into these products will likely be a focus for manufacturers. Overall, the landscape of the U.S. grain supply is evolving, reflecting a significant shift toward non-GMO options while ensuring quality and nutritional value.