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Non-GMO Retailer Training and education. July 2013. Terminology: Definitions. WHAT IS A GMO?
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Non-GMO Retailer Training and education July 2013
Terminology: Definitions • WHAT IS A GMO? Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants or animals created through the process of genetic engineering. This experimental technology forces DNA from one species into a different species. The resulting GMOs are unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional breeding.
2011 Production Figures Corn: Soy: Cotton: Sugar Beet: Canola: 88% 94% 90% 95% 90% • Other GM crops that are grown commercially include alfalfa, Hawaiian Papaya, zucchini, and summer squash • Sweet corn is on the market GMO PRODUCTION IN THE U.S.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association estimates that GMOs are now present in more than 75% of conventional processed food.
GMO Traits • 75%-80% of GMO crops grown are engineered for herbicide tolerance (e.g. “Roundup Ready” crops). • The majority of the remaining GMO crops are engineered to produce Bt in their DNA.* • None of the genetically engineered traits in commercial production offer increased yields, drought tolerance or nutritional superiority.**
CONCERNS ABOUT GMOs • Health impacts*: Reproductive issues, allergenic potential,immune system disturbances, organ disruption • Environmental impacts**: Soil and water toxicity, superweeds/superbugs, loss of genetic diversity • Societal impacts***: Lack of informed choice, seed contamination, food sovereignty
PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW • Nearly all Democrats (93% favor, 2% oppose), Independents (90% favor, 5% oppose) and Republicans (89% favor, 5% oppose) in favor of labeling. Mellman Group • 96% believe genetically modified foods should be labeled (6/11, MSNBC) • 93% of the American public wants the federal government to require mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods (6/11, ABC News) • 93% believe GE foods should be labeled (10/10,Thomson Reuters PULSE™ Healthcare Survey • 94% believe genetically modified food should be labeled (9/10, Washington Post)
Mandatory vs. Voluntary Labeling • AFFIDAVITS • No rejection/ “Action” Threshold • Claim: “May contain genetically engineered ingredients” • TESTING • “Action” Threshold of 0.9% • Claim: “Non-GMO Project Verified” VS GIVING AMERICAN CONSUMERS THE RIGHT TO KNOW
The Non-GMO Project North America’s only: • Consensus-based Standard for GMO avoidance • Third-Party Product Verification Program • Non-GMO Project Verified Seal offers transparency and consistency Voluntary market-based strategy for preserving and building our Non-GMO food supply
NON-GMO AT RETAIL Dollar growth of Non-GMO Project Verified, Organic and Natural Products at Retail Services: SPINSscan Natural, SPINSscan Specialty/Gourmet, SPINSscan Conventional Markets Channels-2mm+ Grocery, $1mm+ Drug, Mass Merchandisers +Wal-mart, Sam’s and others Excludes Whole Foods, Trader Joes
NON-GMO MONTH • Month-long outreach campaign • A platform for raising awareness on the non-GMO issue
Non-GMO Month Lift Grocery $ increases by retailer type begin immediately and are sizeable throughout October, peaking near month end and continuing at lesser levels (halo impact) through mid-November.
Whole Foods commits to GMO transparency by 2018 • Other markets also announce their commitment: Lifesource, The Big Carrot, Dean’s, New Leaf • Several stores begin to experiment with labeling products that may contain GMO ingredients RETAIL STORES & GMOs
Communicating the Non-GMO Message • Objective: • Communicate about GMOs with clarity, consistency, and effectiveness • Tone: • Start with the basics, appeal to common sense, and keep it positive
Non-GMO Talking Points • The Right to Know • “We have a right to know what’s in our food.” • Ethics of Experimentation • “It’s unethical to be putting an experimental technology into the food we feed our families.” • The Global Picture • “Nearly 50 countries require labels of GMOs, and many of these also have restrictions or bans against GMO food production or sale.”
Chris Keefe & Arielle Stein retailers@nongmoproject.org Contact us with Questions