Dive Brief:
- Farmers are taking advantage of the growing consumer interest in non-GMO foods by planting more crops without genetically-modified seeds.
- Low commodity prices are causing farmers' income to drop to what experts predict may be a six-year low.
- Companies like General Mills, Inc., Whole Foods Market, and Chipotle Mexican Grill, which are beginning to shy away from GMO ingredients in some of their products, are inspiring farmers to follow this new non-GMO plan.
Dive Insight:
One farmer, Justin Dammann from southwestern Iowa, confirmed his and other farmers' strategy, "We never really thought we would go back to (non-GMO). But the consumer, in my opinion, has sent a clear message that a certain percentage of our customers are willing to pay more for the non-GMO lines. This non-GMO thing has seemed to take hold and gain a lot of traction."
The GMO debate is something Food Dive has watched closely in 2015 and one that will surely continue. The Grocery Manufacturers Association says up to 80% of packaged foods have genetically modified ingredients.