So many people seem to think that The Non-GMO Project exists for some altruistic purpose. They just want consumers to know what’s in their food. They’re only trying to shine light on these ingredients. They’re helping moms make healthy food choices for their families.
But that’s all poppycock.
The real reason The Non-GMO Project exists is to turn a profit while demonizing a safe, important technology. Take a look at what the company charges for its “services”:
Meanwhile, they spread a narrative that runs contrary to scientific consensus. We know that the current GMO crops available are just as safe as their non-GMO counterparts. We know that biotechnology is capable of solving some pretty tough problems. And we know that these crops benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment.
So, yes, I get offended when I see that orange butterfly on one of my favorite products. I do my very best not to purchase anything with it. And I will continue to do so.
My sincere hope is that the USDA’s new standard for labeling “bioengineered” crops will diminish the market value of The Non-GMO Project’s label. And put these crooks out of business.
Ummm…. looks to me like that is a fee schedule for FoodChainID, not the Non-GMO Project. FoodChainID is just one of the companies used as technical administrators by the Non-GMO Project of which there are several and all appear to be third parties. The fee goes to the company, not the Non-GMO Project (NGP). There may be a membership fee that is passed on in part to NGP and that would not be unreasonable for any type of association. In fact, those testing fees are good pricing and quite in line with what labs are charging these days. On their website NGP lists the approved labs that must be used — all of them are very well known, have excellent standards and are in no way connected with the Non-GMO Project.
Heather, I think you’re falling for part of the gimmick here. NGP doesn’t do the actual testing and verification, but that hardly means they aren’t profiting from the fees being paid. Food Chain ID has done the majority of verification, so these fees accurately reflect how much it costs to get verified.
And because you think these labs are so respected and so credible, I wonder: do you think they do the really awesome testing on things like salt (which doesn’t and can’t have DNA…ever)? What about kitty litter? Water?
Give me a break.
You can learn more about the process here: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/01/20/378361539/how-your-food-gets-the-non-gmo-label
Visiting Food Chain ID’s website it is immediately apparent that this type of garbage is their bread and butter.
May bankruptcy plague them.