MAJOR CHALLENGES

Because GM crops are a fairly new technology, they are a very controversial topic among the general public. Despite its many positive impacts, not everyone agrees with this branch of biotechnology. Among those who oppose GM crops are private organizations, food companies, as well as several lawmakers. (7.1)

Organizations Against GMOs

1. The Non-GMO Project

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization whose objective is to "preserve and build sources of non-GMO products, educate consumers, and provide verified non-GMO choices." Currently having over 27,000 Non-GMO Project Verified products from 1,500 brands, the Non-GMO Project represents well over $11 Billion in annual sales. Non-GMO Project Verified is currently one of the most rapidly growing labels in the natural food sector, and increasingly is an attribute sought by conventional brands as well. (7.2)

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2. Moms Across America

Moms Across America is an organization composed of mothers who have gathered to fight the production and consumption of GMOs, mainly for safety reasons. This group of mothers have encouraged pople across the nation to fight against the use of GMOs, with their many events and social gatherings. (7.4)

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3. Institute for Responsible Technology

Founded in 2003 by Jeffrey Smith, the Institute for Responsible Technology aims to educate policy makers and the general public about GM foods and crops. This institute claims to "investigate and report their risks and impact on health, environment, the economy, and agriculture, as well as the problems associated with current research, regulation, corporate practices, and reporting." (7.6)

4. GMO Free USA

GMO Free USA "seeks to change our broken food system and polluted agricultural system through research, education, and uncompromising advocacy and activism." Infamously known for their staging of boycotts from food companies, this organization helped decline net sales across all business segments of Kellogg in 2012. This organization is also an active supporter of passing GMO laws and regulations in states across the nation. (7.8)

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Food Companies Against GMOs

1. Bolder Brands

Bolder Brands announced that they would be moving GMOs from their Smart Balance buttery spread. Smart Balance Natural Peanut Butter is already made using only non-GMO ingredients and the company hopes to eventually convert the entire Smart Balance product line to non-GMO. (7.10)

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2. Chipotle Mexican Grill

In 2013, Chipotle Mexican Grill became the first national resturant company to voluntarily disclose the use of GMOs in its food. Chipotle's founder, chairman, and co-CEO claims that his company's "unique food culture and our unique people culture and a strong economic model that allows us to do things in ways that are unusual within the industry." (7.10)

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3. Annie's

Annie's is a natural and organic packaged food company has been seeing extreme success in sales in the past few years. This company aims to provide to "consumers who are seeking to avoid artificial and synthetic ingredients, looking for more positive nutrition and seeking organic and non-GMO options." The company uses only non-GMO ingredients and has been vocal in the controversial fight in the labeling of GM foods and crops. (7.10)

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4. Whole Foods Market

In March 2013, Whole Foods Market pledged that by 2018 all of the products sold in its U.S. and Canadian stores will be labeled, indicating whether they contain genetically modified organisms. The task is an enormous one. The company currently sells currently sells "more than 6,000 products represented by more than 500 brands that are sourced non-GMO." Whole Foods says it is making progress on prepared foods, such as using verified non-GMO canola oil in foods prepared in stores' kitchens. It is also working with farming and aquaculture industries to focus on meat, dairy, eggs and fish. Whole Foods acknowledges that other areas, such as supplements, beer, wine and cheese, present more of a challenge in becoming GMO-free. (7.10)

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5. Hain Celestial

With 99% of its products GMO-free, Hain Celestial is the likey the leading public manufacturer of natural and organic foods. The 20-year-old company operates under many brands in the United States, Canada, and Europe from Celestial Seasonings teas and Earths Best Organic to Almond Dream and Arrowhead Mills and is currently sold through through Whole Foods, Kroger, Wal-Mart, Costco, and Target, among other stores. (7.10)

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