Announcement: Version 17 of the Non-GMO Project Standard is published

The 2025 General Standard Revision included two public comment periods, additional research and consultation, and Standards Committee review and consensus. It concluded with the Non-GMO Project Board of Directors ratifying Version 17 as the current edition of the Non-GMO Project Standard, published and effective October 1, 2026.

What’s new in Version 17?

• Added clarity to the definition of a GMO. A new section explains that if Biotechnology was used to create an organism, the organism is a GMO. Materials produced from that GMO are also considered Genetically Modified. For example, corn oil made from GM corn is considered Genetically Modified. A new Appendix C also identifies representative Biotechnology techniques, including newer genomic techniques. See v17 Section 1.2 Defining Genetically Modified Organism.
• Prohibition of Biological Compounds produced through Biotechnology. Input and Ingredient requirements stipulate that certain compounds that normally come from animals or humans may not be produced using cell-free systems or other organisms using Biotechnology. Enzymes are exempt from this specific prohibition. See v17 Section 2.2 Input and Ingredient Evaluation.
• Sugarcane designated a Non-Testable High Risk crop. This change reflects the commercial availability and expanding cultivation of GM sugarcane. Beginning December 1, 2028, affected sugarcane and sugarcane-derived Inputs and Ingredients will need to meet the requirements for Non-Testable High-Risk materials. Watch for an upcoming webinar focused on the sugarcane transition. See v17 Appendix B – High-Risk List.
• Monitored Risk removed from the Standard. Information about emerging and commercially available GM crops will instead be available through the GM Crop Library, which will be updated as the GMO landscape changes. See v17 Section 3.2 Risk Status.
• Participation requirements moved to the Program Rules and Procedures. This organizational change supports the Standard’s continued focus on Product compliance.
• Adoption of a risk-based facility inspection model. Producing Facilities with an excellent history of compliance and a low risk profile may move from annual onsite inspections to a frequency of no less than once every three years. The new framework takes effect November 1, 2027. See v17 Section 5 Onsite Inspections.

Share your feedback on the Standard

Comments are welcome year-round through our Public Comment Form and will be considered during the next General Standard Revision.

For a complete explanation of changes from v16.1 to v17, see the Summary of Changes. Resources from the 2025 General Standard Revision will remain available for reference.