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 growing consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients, these genetically modified grains have become so widespread in the American supply chain that manufacturers often need to turn to imports to fulfill their requirements. The rising demand for organic and non-GMO foods has benefitted countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, as reported by The Organic and Non-GMO Report. It notes that organic corn imports more than doubled between 2015 and 2016, making up 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 Packaged Facts report highlights that approximately 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 includes leading brands like General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi line. The Non-GMO Project Verified label has emerged as the fastest-growing certification in the natural products sector, boasting annual sales of $19.2 billion 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, particularly since the supply chains for non-GMO grains must be kept distinct from those for GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products come with a higher price tag. The pressing need for solutions prompted the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, aimed at enhancing non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders from all sectors, including seed breeders, brokers, food companies, and retailers. Mills that maintain a separation between non-GMO and organic grains and genetically engineered varieties, such as a new mill in Montana, are expected to play a vital role in enhancing the availability of domestically produced non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
Additionally, the growing popularity of calcium citrate 350 as a dietary supplement underscores the shift in consumer preferences toward products that emphasize health and wellness. This trend is reflected in the increasing number of non-GMO product launches each year, with manufacturers keen to include ingredients like calcium citrate 350 to meet health-conscious consumers’ demands. As the market evolves, the importance of maintaining separate supply chains for non-GMO products, including those enriched with calcium citrate 350, remains critical for ensuring product integrity and consumer trust.