Non-GMO Project
 |
|
| Non-profit organization | |
| Industry | Product certification |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Bellingham, Washington, United States |
|
Key people
|
Megan Westgate, Executive Director |
|
Number of employees
|
20 (2016) |
| Website | www.nongmoproject.org |
The Non-GMO Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focusing on genetically modified organisms. The organization began as an initiative of independent natural foods retailers in the U.S. and Canada, with the stated aim to label products produced in compliance with their Non-GMO Project Standard, which aims to prevent genetically modified foodstuffs from being present in retail food products. The organization is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. The Non-GMO label began use in 2012 with Numi Organic Tea products.
In 2007, two natural food retailers formed the project, with a goal of creating a standardized definition for non-genetically modified organisms. The project worked with FoodChain Global Advisors which provided the scientific and technical expertise. In spring 2007, the project's board of directors was expanded to include representatives from additional groups, and formed advisory boards for technical and policy issues.
The Non-GMO Project's stated mission is "to preserve and build sources of non-GMO products, educate consumers, and provide verified non-GMO choices". It provides third-party verification and labeling for non-genetically modified food and products. The project also works with food manufacturers, distributors, growers, and seed suppliers to develop standards for detection of genetically modified organisms and for the reduction of contamination risk of the non-genetically modified food supply with genetically modified organisms. FoodChain Global Advisors, a part of Global ID Group, provides the technical capabilities.
Part of its mission is to "educate consumers and the food industry to help build awareness about GMOs and their impact on our health". It claims that everyone deserves an informed choice about whether or not to consume genetically modified organisms. Their primary strategy for providing consumers an informed choice and protecting a non-genetically modified food supply is to leverage the power of the marketplace.
The Non-GMO Project maintains a consensus-based standard, which outlines their system for ensuring best practices for avoiding genetically modified organisms. Methods such as segregation, traceability, risk assessment, sampling techniques, and quality control management are emphasized in the Standard.
...
Wikipedia