The Non-GMO Blog

UK Farms Work Alongside Insects

Long-term case study from The Watercress Company demonstrates how pesticide‑free cultivation can support biodiversity without compromising commercial viability. The company has maintained pesticide‑free production across its UK watercress farms for 25 years, creating ecosystems that now support an estimated 1.7 billion insects across 16 hectares of cropping area. This approach has sustained commercial crop quality […]

New Bee-Friendly Retailer Scorecard

Friends of the Earth has released its 2025 Bee-Friendly Retailer Scorecard, a national assessment of how the largest U.S. grocery retailers are addressing pesticide use and pollinator health in their supply chains. The scorecard benchmarks 25 major retailers on commitments to reduce toxic pesticides, expand organic offerings, and promote biodiversity. Retailers’ purchasing power directly influences […]

Non-UPF Verified Program Opens Enrollment to Address Ultraprocessed Foods

New certification designed to help consumers identify foods with minimal processing, offering brands a framework for reformulation. The program is the first of its kind to evaluate not just nutrient composition, but manufacturing methods, ingredient specifications, and formulation techniques, addressing concerns about the health impacts of ultraprocessed foods. Research shows that two products with identical […]

2026 sofi™ Award Winners Announced

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has revealed the winners of its 2026 sofi™ Awards, highlighting products and brands driving innovation, quality, and trendsetting in the specialty food and beverage sector. The awards were presented during Winter FancyFaire*, hosted by Chef Joe Sasto. Winners were selected through blind tastings by retail and foodservice buyers from more […]

Federal Bill Drops Pesticide Liability Protections

A key provision that would have shielded pesticide manufacturers from certain lawsuits, and restricted state-level health warnings, was removed from the U.S. fiscal year 2026 federal appropriations bill following bipartisan pushback led by Democratic lawmakers and public health advocates. The stripped language had drawn scrutiny for potentially limiting consumer and state action on pesticide risks […]