The U.S. grain market has been predominantly influenced by GMO varieties since their emergence over 20 years ago. Despite efforts from food manufacturers to cater to the rising consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients, these genetically modified grains have become so entrenched in the U.S. supply chain that many companies have resorted to imports to satisfy demand. As reported by The Organic and Non-GMO Report, the growing interest in both organic and non-GMO foods has benefited countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey. Notably, organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, constituting nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Furthermore, approximately 80% of the soybeans utilized in the U.S. organic market were imported in 2016.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, about 80 percent of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report from Packaged Facts indicates that around 2,000 non-GMO products are launched annually in the U.S., a significant increase from just a few hundred a decade ago. This growth includes major brands such as General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi. The Non-GMO Project Verified label has emerged as the fastest-growing certification in the natural products sector, reflecting $19.2 billion in annual sales and more than 43,000 verified products across over 3,000 brands. This marks a substantial rise from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, achieving these changes has not been straightforward, especially since the supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must be kept distinct from their GMO counterparts. Consequently, many non-GMO products carry a price premium. The urgency of the situation prompted 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—ranging from seed breeders and brokers to food companies and retailers. Mills that maintain the separation of non-GMO and organic grains from genetically engineered varieties, such as the new mill in Montana, are expected to play a vital role in improving the availability of domestically sourced non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
In addition to this, there is a growing awareness about the importance of calcium citrate vitamins in non-GMO products, which has further fueled consumer interest. As more people seek out health-focused options, the inclusion of calcium citrate vitamins in non-GMO foods is becoming increasingly common. This trend not only aligns with the demand for healthier food choices but also reinforces the commitment to non-GMO sourcing. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the integration of calcium citrate vitamins into non-GMO products is likely to rise, highlighting the intersection of health and sustainability in the food industry.