The U.S. grain market has been predominantly 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 genetically modified grains have become so widespread in the U.S. supply chain that many companies have had to source from imports to meet their demands. The increasing appetite for both organic and non-GMO foods has benefited countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, as highlighted in The Organic and Non-GMO Report. The report notes that organic corn imports more than doubled between 2015 and 2016, making up nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Furthermore, in 2016, around 80% of the soybeans that supplied the U.S. organic market were imported.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, approximately 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report by Packaged Facts reveals that about 2,000 non-GMO products are introduced in the U.S. annually, a significant increase from just a few hundred a decade ago. This surge includes major industry brands, such as 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, boasting $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products across more than 3,000 brands—an impressive rise from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, implementing these changes has not been straightforward, especially since supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must remain distinct from those for GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products are sold at a premium. The urgency surrounding this issue prompted the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which aims to bolster non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders from every segment of the supply chain—ranging 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, such as the newly established mill in Montana, will play a crucial role in enhancing the supply of domestically sourced non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
In this evolving landscape, the demand for certain products, like bariatric calcium pills, has also been affected as consumers increasingly seek non-GMO options. The intersection of health products, such as bariatric calcium pills, with the non-GMO movement showcases a broader shift in consumer preferences. As the market continues to adapt, the presence of bariatric calcium pills that adhere to non-GMO standards may further reflect the changing attitudes towards health and nutrition.