It's about more than food: GMOs show up in pet food, body care products, and even vitamins and supplements.

October is Non-GMO Month - a time to celebrate transparency in our food system, support biodiversity and protect our natural resources and genetic inheritance for future generations.

We believe everyone has the right to know how their food, their pets' food, and everyday products like lotions, shampoos, and creams are grown and made, and what they might contain.

What are GMOs?

GMO stands for "genetically modified organism." 

A GMO is a plant, animal or microorganism that has been genetically altered through biotechnology. 

Biotechnology includes specific techniques that are used to change the organism's genetic material (i.e., DNA or RNA), and may combine of very unrelated organisms that would not reproduce in nature.

How common are GMOs in our food supply?

An estimated 80% of conventional processed foods on North American grocery shelves contain GMOs, with a growing number of whole foods in the produce aisle following suit. The most recent being mustard greens, sweet corn and the Empress purple tomato.

Some Common GMO crops include:

• Alfalfa
• Apple
• Canola
• Corn
• Cotton
• Eggplant
• Papaya 
• Pink pineapple
• Potato
• Sugar beets
• Soy
• Sugar beets
• Zucchini and yellow summer squash

Farm to table and beyond: Spotting less obvious GMOs

GMOs are commonly used in livestock feed which can impact the animals and the food products derived from them, including eggs, dairy, and meat.

Plant-based products such as milk alternatives and meat alternatives are at high-risk of containing GMOs because corn and soy are often key ingredients.

GMOs are showing up in other products that we encounter daily, such as body lotions, face creams, shampoos, conditioners, serums, and cosmetics.

Why we should be concerned with GMOs?

GMOS are new organisms and without independent long-term studies the potential health and environmental impacts as well as how these new gene combinations will behave remains unknown. 

Animal studies indicate that consuming GMO foods may pose serious health risks, including infertility, immune system issues, accelerated aging, disrupted insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the digestive system.

How can you tell if you’re eating GMOs?

GMO labeling is mandatory in 65 countries around the world, including Australia, Russia, China, all of Europe and more recently the US.

As of January 1, 2022, the USDA’s Bioengineered Foods labeling law requires U.S. food manufacturers to disclose GMO ingredients on packaging labels. However, instead of using the term "GMO," the term "bioengineered" is used. 

The loophole in the law

The USDA defines bioengineered foods as "foods that contain detectable modified genetic material." This definition is significant because it highlights what gets excluded under the Bioengineered Foods labeling law. Since the focus is on the presence of detectable modified DNA, products and ingredients made with GMOs but lacking detectable DNA in the final product are exempt from labeling.

For example, highly refined products such as sugar sourced from GMO sugar beets or canola oil made from GMO canola are both made from GMO crops. However, the processing they undergo removes modified DNA from the final product, so neither would be considered a bioengineered food under the USDA's definition allowing such products to go unlabeled for GMOs.

How to avoid GMOs in your food

3. Shop Locally: Farmers' markets often have non-GMO and organic produce. Talk to local farmers about their growing practices to be sure. Tips for shopping for organic produce

By supporting non-GMO and organic farmers, you’re investing in a sustainable food system that supports biodiversity, protects natural resources, and supports sustainability for future generations. 

4. Avoid High-Risk Ingredients: Common ingredients like corn syrup, soy lecithin, and canola oil often come from GMO crops unless labeled non-GMO.

5. Grow Your Own Food: Planting a garden with organic and heirloom seeds at home ensures you know exactly what goes into your food.

Transparency matters: the right to know 

The simple truth is that most people want the right to choose what they eat and what they feed their families.

Our family has been committed to organics and caring for the earth from the start, firmly believing that "you are not only what you eat, but also what you feed your plants." Organic farming nourishes both the soil and our food, preserving nutrients rather than depleting them. Learn more about our organic farming practices

Our farm and processing facility are USDA certified organic and undergo rigorous annual inspections. While the USDA organic certification also means Non-GMO we also undergo an additional annual certification for the Non-GMO Project verified label to further support transparent labeling in our food system.

Transparency in our food system empowers us as individuals to make choices that align with our dietary preferences, health requirements and personal beliefs.

Nourishing you, your pets and the planet

Our family farm is dedicated to being stewards of the land, nourishing the soil and growing nutrient-packed Noni to help you feel your best. This October, join us in celebrating Non-GMO Month by making thoughtful food choices—your body, your pets, the planet, and your local organic farmers will thank you!

Sources:
https://www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_organism
https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/be/bioengineered-foods-list
https://www.nongmoproject.org/blog/new-gmo-alert-navigating-gmos-in-the-produce-section/