What is the Non GMO Project?

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides verification and labeling for non-GMO (non-genetically modified organism) food and products in North America.  A genetically modified organism is a plant, animal, or other life form whose genetic material, or DNA, has been altered by scientists in a lab.  Learn more about what GMO means here.

The Non GMO Project’s Mission & Work

The Non-GMO Project’s mission is to preserve and build sources of non-GMO products, educate consumers, and provide verified non-GMO choices.  They believe that everyone should have the right to make an informed decision about whether or not to consume, eat, or use GMOs.

According to the Non-GMO Project, in North America, over 80% of our food contains GMOs.

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The Non-GMO Project works in several different ways to ensure the ongoing availability of non-GMO products and to help consumers like you and me to make informed choices. In addition to verifying and labeling non-GMO foods, they also provide education on GMOs impact on our health and the environment.  This education is provided to both consumers and the food industry.  Lastly, they work with food manufacturers, distributors, growers, and seed suppliers to develop a standard process for detecting GMOs and making sure that they do not contaminate the non-GMO food supply.

Should I care about GMOs?

Only you can decide if eating GMO foods is right for your family.   However, it is important to be aware of the fact that most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe.  The Non GMO Project says:

In more than 60 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. In the U.S., the government has approved GMOs based on studies conducted by the same corporations that created them and profit from their sale.

In addition to potentially causing health risks for us, GMOs can also cause environmental issues, largely due to the fact that growing GMO crops is often correlated with heavy chemical fertilizer and pesticide use.  Learn more here.

How many products are non-GMO certified?

According to the Non GMO Project, the organization has verified and certified nearly 35,000 products as containing 100% non-GMO ingredients.  These 35,000 products are manufactured by more than 1,900 brands, representing well over $13.5 Billion in annual sales.  The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is currently one of the fastest growing labels for natural and organic foods, and is increasingly being used by conventional brands as well.

Where can I find non-GMO certified food?

Non GMO products can be purchased at your normal grocery store!  Just look for the Non-GMO verified label (as seen at the top of this blog post).  Of course, all Tommy’s Superfoods products are non-GMO verified so you know you can never go wrong if you want to only buy non-GMO frozen vegetables.  To find other brands and products that are certified by the Non GMO Project, you can view a complete listing on their website.