The U.S. grain supply has been largely dominated by genetically modified organism (GMO) varieties since their introduction over 20 years ago. Despite food manufacturers attempting to cater to the growing consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients, these grains have become so prevalent in the U.S. supply chain that many manufacturers have resorted to imports to fulfill their requirements.
The rising demand for both organic and non-GMO foods has positively impacted countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, as noted by The Organic and Non-GMO Report. The report highlights that organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, representing nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Furthermore, approximately 80% of the soybeans used in the U.S. organic market were imported in 2016. According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, about 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients.
A recent report from Packaged Facts reveals 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 includes some of the industry’s leading brands, such as General Mills’ Non-GMO Cheerios and Kellogg’s Kashi brand. The Non-GMO Project Verified label is the fastest-growing label in the natural products sector, accounting for $19.2 billion in annual sales and encompassing 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 proven challenging, especially since the supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting non-GMO grains must remain distinct from those for GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products often come with a higher price tag. The urgency of addressing these challenges led to the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which seeks to enhance non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders across the entire supply chain—from seed breeders and brokers to food producers 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 crucial role in bolstering the supply of domestically grown non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
In addition to these developments, the market has seen an increase in health-focused products, including calcium citrate 500mg tablets, which have gained popularity among consumers seeking dietary supplements. The demand for such products reflects a broader trend toward health-conscious consumption, further influencing the dynamics of the U.S. food market. The emphasis on non-GMO and organic ingredients, along with the growing interest in supplements like calcium citrate 500mg tablets, illustrates the changing landscape of consumer preferences and the ongoing challenges faced by the industry in meeting these demands.