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.
- 公司如通用磨坊公司,全食rket, 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."
TheGMOdebate 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.
