FDA Maharashtra Fortification Program Receives Support from GAIN

For the first time in 15 years, Illinois farmer Steve Ruh will plant only old-school soybean seeds to boost profit in a premium niche market, abandoning the popular genetically modified varieties, according to a Bloomberg report last on January 25.  The decision to switch was made last November.  Ruh said he will seed his 1,500 acres (607 hectares) in April, joining growers seeking options in a premium market to boost slumping earnings and cut costs from pricier modified seed varieties. In 2018, U.S. farmers likely endured the fourth drop in net income in five years, while costs climbed 4.2%, government data showed. 

The median price of a bag of soybean seeds with no genetic modification is $39, compared with the priciest GMO variety at $54, Kevin McNew,  the chief economist at Farmers Business Network, said in a telephone interview, citing his firm’s study.  Aron Carlson, who grows corn and soybeans on 3,600 acres in northern Illinois, plans to use more conventional seeds this year while cutting back on the total oilseed acres. 

Signs are emerging that demand for food made with non-GMO ingredients in the U.S. is increasing. In 2018, 35 percent of consumers between 18 to 34 were “aware and concerned” about genetically modified organisms, up from 25 percent in 2013, according to NPD Group, a research company. The domestic appeal of non-GMO products and organic food is attracting farmers, said Greg Lickteig, director of specialty grains at Omaha, Nebraska-based Scoular Co., a grain handler. Previously, demand for those crops was linked to Japan, the European Union and other overseas markets.