From Grassroots to Global: Non-GMO Project’s October initiative highlights 17 years of progress

The Non-GMO Project, North America’s most trusted seal for GMO avoidance, recently announced the launch of its annual Non-GMO Month celebration for October 2024. This event marks 17 years of the organization’s dedication to transparency in the food system, a mission that has become increasingly crucial as an estimated 80% of groceries now contain GMOs.

Since its inception, the Non-GMO Project has grown from a grassroots initiative to a driving force in the natural products industry. Today, the Non-GMO Project Verified seal appears on over 66,000 products representing more than $45 billion in annual sales, making it the fastest-growing label in the natural products industry and the most trusted non-GMO label among consumers.

“What began as a mission to advocate for GMO labeling has evolved into a movement that has reshaped the entire food industry,” said Megan Westgate, CEO of the Non-GMO Project. “Our work has always been about transparency and the consumer’s right to know what’s in their food. We’re not just providing transparency; we’re safeguarding the integrity of our food supply for current and future generations.”

The urgency of the Non-GMO Project’s mission is underscored by alarming trends in food and agriculture:

• Nearly all US-grown soy, corn, cotton, canola, and sugar beets are now GMOs.
• Most GMO crops are engineered to withstand weedkiller or to produce insecticide. Since these crops entered the market, there’s been a 15-fold increase in weedkiller application.
• As biotechnology evolves, new GMOs made from emerging techniques are entering the market, often unlabeled and unregulated.
• The Non-GMO Project is now monitoring over 550 biotech developers.
• The Non-GMO Project was invited to present at the 2nd Annual International Non-GMO Summit taking place in Frankfurt, Germany on October 8-9, in the wake of GMO deregulation efforts in the European Union.

As a nonprofit organization, the Non-GMO Project remains dedicated to building and protecting a non-GMO food supply, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices.

For Non-GMO Month 2024, the organization has planned several initiatives:

• Pocket Guide to GMOs in Produce: A new, downloadable guide to help consumers navigate GMOs in the produce section, identifying current and upcoming GMO fruits and vegetables.
• Social Media Campaign: Regular posts throughout October providing useful information and resources to support a non-GMO lifestyle.
• Retailer Partnerships: Collaborations with natural food retailers across North America to promote Non-GMO Project Verified products.

Organic & Non-GMO Insights October 2024