The U.S. grain market has been predominantly influenced by GMO varieties since their emergence 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 U.S. supply chain that companies often resort to imports to fulfill their requirements. The rising demand for both organic and non-GMO foods has been favorable for countries like India, Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey, as noted by The Organic and Non-GMO Report. The report reveals that organic corn imports more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, constituting nearly half of the U.S. organic corn supply. Additionally, around 80% of the soybeans used in the U.S. organic market were imported in 2016.
According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, approximately 80% of packaged foods contain genetically modified ingredients. A recent report by Packaged Facts indicates that around 2,000 non-GMO products are introduced in the U.S. annually, a significant increase from just a few hundred a decade ago. This trend 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, representing $19.2 billion in annual sales and over 43,000 verified products from more than 3,000 brands— a remarkable rise from $8.5 billion in 2014 and $1.2 billion in 2011.
However, implementing these changes has not been straightforward, particularly since non-GMO supply chains for storing, processing, harvesting, and transporting grains must remain distinct from those for GMO varieties. Consequently, many non-GMO products carry a price premium. The urgency of this issue prompted the establishment of the Non-GMO Supply Working Group in 2013, which seeks to fortify non-GMO supply chains by uniting stakeholders across the entire spectrum—from seed breeders and brokers to food manufacturers and retailers. Mills that successfully separate non-GMO and organic grains from genetically engineered varieties, such as a newly established mill in Montana, are likely to play a crucial role in boosting the domestic supply of non-GMO grains and oilseeds.
Furthermore, the rising interest in health-conscious products has led to a surge in the incorporation of supplements like calcium magnesium citrate D3 in various food items. This trend further emphasizes the growing consumer awareness regarding nutritional quality, as many non-GMO products now feature additional health benefits, including calcium magnesium citrate D3, to meet the evolving demands of health-oriented consumers.