1. What are GMOs The Non-GMO Project Working together to ensure the sustained availability of non-GMO food and products A Non-GMO Month Special Edition for Retailers

2. What are GMOs GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are organisms that have been created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This relatively new science allows DNA from one species to be injected into another species in a laboratory, creating combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. What are GMOs?

3. GMO Production in US GMO Production in the U.S. (according to 2010 figures) 86 % 93% Corn: Soy: Cotton: Sugar Beet: Canola: 93% 95% Other GM crops that are grown commercially include Hawaiian Papaya, zucchini, and summer squash. +90% *Recent data for Canola is not available; this percentage was approximated by using 2007 figures (87%) and Canadian figures from 2009 (95%).

4. GMA Estimate The Grocery Manufacturers Association estimates that GMOs are now present in 75 to 80 percent of conventional processed food.

5. GMO Production Worldwide USA (50%) Argentina (17%) Brazil (12.5%) India (6%) Canada (6%) China (3%) Paraguay (2%) 96.5% of world’s GMO acres (2008) GMO Production Worldwide

6. GMO Traits 75% of GMO crops grown are bred for herbicide tolerance (e.g. “Roundup Ready” crops). GMO Traits The majority of the remaining GM crops are engineered to produce Bt in their DNA. No GM traits are in commercial production for increased yields, drought tolerance or nutritional superiority.

7. Consumer Trust In 36 other countries around the world, including Japan, South Korea, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production of GMOs, because they are not considered proven safe. In the U.S., on the other hand, although more than half of consumers say they “won’t eat” GMOs, most people are eating them every meal without knowing it. Many consumers of organic products cite avoidance of GMOs as one of their top reasons for buying organic.

8. GMO Traits Potential Health Concerns Reproductive issues – sterility, infertility Increased susceptibility to allergens Immune system disturbances Alterations in blood biochemistry Disturbed enzyme function Enlargement of liver, spleen, and pancreas Carcinogenic properties Example: GMOs have been linked to excessive growth of lining of the gut

9. NGP BOD

10. Components Designed with a concern for practical solutions to GMO contamination, the Non-GMO Project’s core components are: Consensus based Standard of best practices for GMO avoidance Third party Product Verification Program A “Non-GMO Project Verified” Seal offers transparency & consistency A collaborative space within which organizations at every level of the organic and natural food chain can work together to solve problems and meet challenges related to keeping GMOs out of their products.

11. Seal

12. There are currently thousands of products from hundreds of brands enrolled in the Non-GMO Project, with more being added every week. To see a complete list, visit www.nongmoproject.org Non-GMO Project Products & Brands

13. Website This October will be the first ever Non-GMO Month, conceived of by UNFI, Whole Foods Market, INFRA and the NCGA, in collaboration with the Non- GMO Project.