UPDATE: Dannon responded to these allegations in a written statement. The company said it was surprised to get the "divisive and misinformed letter about our efforts to continue to grow America's enjoyment of dairy products."
"We believe strongly that the unparalleled range of choice that Danone's US affiliates provide, from organic, to non-GMO ingredients, and to conventional dairy is a reason to celebrate rather than criticize," Mariano Lozano, CEO of The Dannon Company, said in the statement. "We encourage anyone who wishes to learn more to read the Dannon Pledge at www.DannonPledge.com."
Dive Brief:
- A group of farming organizations has issued a letter to Dannon that argues against non-GMO ingredient sourcing, according to a news release. The letter responds to the company's announcement that it would eliminate the use of GMO feed and ingredients for select brands over the next few years.
- The organizations' leaders say that while Dannon claims its move toward non-GMO products is to promote sustainability, such an effort would achieve the exact opposite.
- Randy Mooney, chairman of the National Milk Producers Federation and Missouri-based dairy farmer, said in a statement that the non-GMO movement was, "just marketing puffery, not any true innovation that improves the actual product offered to consumers."
Dive Insight:
Reducing the non-GMO movement to a marketing campaign is a significant and potentially disruptive accusation for manufacturers that have already made or begun the transition to non-GMO ingredients. These farm organizations targeted Dannon specifically, potentially because parent company Danone's acquisition of WhiteWave Foods is fast-tracking these initiatives. Other major companies, such as McCormick and Hormel's Applegate Farms, have also committed to removing GMO ingredients from a majority, or all products.
The six farming groups involved in the letter to Dannon include the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, American Sugarbeet Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance.
It's difficult to tell which side is arguing for greater sustainability. Recent research has proven the safety of GMO consumption, but organic farmers have complained that glysophate contamination from nearby GMO farms has cost them crops and profits from rejected contaminated products. Non-GMO and organic farming supporters consistently laud their methods as more sustainable for the environment and croplands than GMO farming, but these other farm orginizations are arguing the exact opposite.
Still, consumers' perceptions of GMOs will keep driving manufacturers' product development strategies. If non-GMO products continue to grow in popularity, more manufacturers will produce those foods and beverages to meet demand. However, those efforts could be limited by ingredient supplies if not enough non-GMO or organic farmers are onboard to supply the crops manufacturers need.